The air cargo intelligence platform expects the global market to experience a softer second half of 2026 despite a strong start to the year. As the market enters the Northern Hemisphere's August summer holiday period, air freight rates are expected to continue easing. New EU E-commerce Duty Hits Air Cargo MarketAsia–Europe air cargo lanes recorded the steepest rate declines in July, with spot rates from Northeast Asia to Europe falling 13% month-on-month and those from Southeast Asia dropping 9%, according to Xeneta. Air Cargo Demand Eases as Supply ReboundsGlobal air cargo demand increased 4% year-on-year in July, moderating from the 8% growth recorded in June, according to Xeneta. Meanwhile, global air cargo capacity expanded 1% compared with the same month last year, continuing its recovery following disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict.