By Jennifer Chang    Photo：SevenStorm JUHASZIMRUS 

Global air cargo tonnage continued to decline in late November and early December, with no signs of a last-minute market recovery before the year-end holidays. The 48th week of data (Nov. 28-Dec. 4) was consistent with a slow and gradual decline in air cargo demand in the second half of the year, following weak demand in the normally robust first few weeks of November. Compared to the previous week, global tonnage flown was slightly down -1% overall, with average freight rates remaining more or less stable. Compared to the previous week, total chargeable weight declined in every major origin except North America - which was impacted by Thanksgiving the week before. However, air cargo tonnage outside of North America has not yet returned to pre-Thanksgiving levels.

The current supply chain situation in China is mixed, with the Covid blockade continuing, and the negative impact of the blockade measures continuing. The Covid outbreak in the Guangzhou region has impacted the manufacturing sector, causing delays in the export of goods. In addition, demand for exports from Northern China continues to decrease, which has a direct impact on flights. Commercial flights have been cancelled to reduce supply imbalances due to low market demand. Freight rates are also down from the previous week, but the low demand trend is expected to continue. The Chinese New Year is also approaching, with a two-week shutdown of factories starting on January 22. The shutdown could further exacerbate the weakness in the supply chain. However, some global logistics companies say they have not seen any evidence that the anti-blockade protests in several Chinese cities are threatening supply chain operations. From Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Qingdao, Xiamen and Ningbo, factory operations are generally normal, and transportation to and from the airport appears to be normal. The reduction in global demand is certainly helping to solve the problem.

In addition to Thanksgiving, the Christmas period from December 24 to January 6 is the biggest holiday of the year in most Western countries, and is also a holiday of great economic significance, which is the best time of the year for Chinese cross-border e-commerce sellers to explode their orders. As the last wave of peak season opportunities in 2022, Christmas is certainly tempting, but it is undeniable that the operation of the preparation of goods, marketing rhythm, logistics timing and many other aspects must be more accurate control. Whether it is the seller or logistics cargo industry supply chain facing greater pressure, must be prepared in time before Christmas, to avoid out of stock and slow sales, do not appear to come to the holidays, the goods are still floating at sea and flying in the sky or this year's goods continue to sell next year's dilemma.

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