China’s Average Export Air Freight Rates Rise in October: US Up 7%, Europe Up 9%
According to a STAT Times report dated 2026-11-9 citing WorldACD Market Data, average air freight rates from China to both the US and Europe rose in month 10 compared with month 9. The average rate to the US reached USD 6.47 per kilogram, while the rate to Europe reached USD 4.85 per kilogram.
Rates on both routes exceeded year-earlier levels
| Export route from China | Average freight rate in 2026-10 | Change from month 9 | Change from month 10 last year |
|---|---|---|---|
| China→US | USD 6.47/kg | Up 7% | Up 30% |
| China→Europe | USD 4.85/kg | Up 9% | Up 14% |
These figures are from WorldACD's market statistics for month 10. The average rates include both spot and contract prices and cannot be used directly as current booking quotes for individual shipments.
Europe-bound volumes fell year on year, but monthly rates still rebounded
In terms of volume, combined air freight volumes from mainland China and Hong Kong to Europe fell 17% year on year in month 10, with mainland China down 8% and Hong Kong down 32%. Over the same period, combined volumes from mainland China and Hong Kong to the US rose 8% year on year, with mainland China up 9% and Hong Kong up 4%.
Despite the year-on-year decline in Europe-bound volumes, average air freight rates from China to Europe rose 9% month on month. Volumes and rates do not move in lockstep, so lower shipping costs cannot be assumed solely on the basis of falling volumes.
To calculate the cost of a specific shipment, use CZL's Shipping Rate Lookup. Related tools: Surcharge Lookup, Fuel Surcharge, and Remote Area Lookup.
Source
STAT Times: Global air cargo tonnages up 6% in Oct despite drop in China-Europe volumes, published on 2026-11-9, with data from WorldACD Market Data.
