FIATA
International Federation of
Freight Forwarders Associations
The global voice of freight logistics

Airfreight Challenges, Trade Law Insights, Digitalisation Advances & Upcoming FIATA Events

FIATA e-flash
23 May 2025

Airfreight: Transpacific Air Cargo Faces Turbulence Amid Regulatory Shifts

The transpacific air cargo sector is facing significant disruption and uncertainty following the suspension of the US' de minimis tariff exemption for low-value shipments from China. As of 2 May, shipments valued under USD 800 from China into the US are no longer exempt from import duties. According to Reuters, this policy shift has resulted in a near 30% decline in airfreight capacity between China and the US. Major Asian carriers have been particularly affected, given their reliance on e-commerce shipments from fast-growing retailers.

The removal of the de minimis exemption, combined with the introduction of new tariffs on Chinese imports, has directly curtailed demand. While some capacity has been redirected to other trade lanes, such as North America to South America, to meet seasonal needs, a large share of aircraft remains underutilised.

Although, there has been a temporary easing of tariffs following a recent improvement in US–China trade relations, the longer-term outlook remains uncertain in the absence of restored duty-free access. The air cargo industry continues to navigate a volatile landscape shaped by economic headwinds and growing protectionism and freight operators are seeking alternative strategies. Simultaneously, the European Union is also considering the introduction of a flat fee of EUR 2 on small packages entering the bloc, mainly from China, reported by the Financial Times.

FIATA is monitoring these developments closely and remains committed to supporting its Members as the global trade environment continues to evolve.

International Trade and Law: Why Acting as a Carrier Strengthens Freight Forwarders' Position

In a landscape increasingly dominated by vertically integrated shipping lines, freight forwarders must seize the opportunity to secure their position in the supply chain. The latest FIATA Review article by FIATA Senior Vice President, Jens Roemer, “Freight Forwarders as Contractual Carriers: A Stronger Position Against Vertical Integration”, explores how forwarders can assert control by acting as carriers rather than agents—and why this distinction matters more than ever.

This timely piece outlines:

  • The growing threat posed by vertical integration
  • The practical and strategic advantages of acting as a carrier
  • How the FIATA Multimodal Transport Bill of Lading (FBL) and its digital version (eFBL) empower forwarders as Non-Vessel-Operating Common Carriers (NVOCCs)

With recent global regulatory attention on fair competition, including developments in Europe and the US, now is the time for forwarders to rethink their approach and take decisive action.

🔗 Read the full article in the latest edition of the FIATA Review to understand how to stay competitive and shape your future in the maritime supply chain.

Digitalisation and Data Governance: Data Ownership and Trusted Networks in Practice

Trust remains the cornerstone of global commerce—but in today’s digital age, it is being reshaped through shared standards, legal alignment, and secure digital infrastructure. The latest FIATA Review features three perspectives on the path towards trusted digital trade, highlighting both the opportunities and the responsibilities that come with this transition.

In “Trust in Trade: Enabling Secure and Seamless Data Sharing in Digital Trade”, Pamela Mar, Managing Director of the ICC Digital Standards Initiative, outlines the frameworks needed to ensure end-to-end digitalisation of trade, from the harmonisation of key documents to the secure transfer of electronic transferable records (ETRs). She emphasises principles such as zero-trust architecture, PKI encryption, and the legal reliability required for verifiable, accountable data flows.

In “Ensuring Data Protection and Trust in Digital Logistics Platforms”, James Hookham, Secretary General of the Global Shippers Forum, explores how concerns over data misuse continue to slow digital adoption among freight forwarders. He presents the joint GSF-FIATA Charter on data governance—a set of principles empowering users with rights to their data, and calling on platform providers to offer transparency, interoperability, and accountability.

The third piece, “Charting the Course: Data Governance and Ownership in Maritime Supply Chains”, by Pascal Ollivier, Chair of the Data Collaboration Committee at the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH), addresses the role of data governance and ownership in the maritime domain. Ollivier highlights how a lack of clarity around who controls data can create barriers to collaboration, while strong governance enables trust, data integrity, and improved operational efficiency across ports and logistics providers.

Together, these articles make the case for a trusted digital trade environment—one where legal alignment, technological standards, and ethical data practices work hand in hand.

🔗 Read more in the FIATA Review to discover how global trade is being redefined through trust, data, and collaboration.

Upcoming FIATA Events

FIATA e-Flash Sponsor Spotlight: BlyChain

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Key Benefits of eBL Adoption

  • Efficiency: Issue and transfer Bills of Lading in seconds, not days. Digital workflows eliminate delays, so cargo moves faster. 
  • Transparency: All parties access real-time updates and a single source of truth for shipment documents, improving trust and collaboration.
  • Security: Encryption and tamper-proof technology safeguard documents against loss or fraud, ensuring each eBL is authentic and traceable.
  • Cost Savings: Cut out courier fees, reduce administrative overhead, and minimise errors, all of which directly lower operating costs.
  • Sustainability: Ditch the paper and reduce your carbon footprint. Going digital means fewer printed documents and a cleaner, greener supply chain.

FIATA-Standard Integration and All-in-One Platform
Pomfret.Cloud is fully integrated with the global eFBL standard. This means every eFBL you issue is globally recognised and eligible for acceptance by customs, banks, and trade partners. As part of the Blychain Network, Pomfret.Cloud’s CFleet application provides an end-to-end platform for NVOCCs. From booking shipments and carrier integration to voyage tracking and invoicing, CFleet consolidates all your operations in one place. No more juggling multiple systems, Pomfret.Cloud’s all-in-one approach streamlines workflows and reduces errors, letting you focus on moving freight.

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