Cross border e-commerce has been the driving force behind international air cargo. Until recently B2C shipments have accounted somewhere between 18% – 22% of intercontinental cargo volumes. Most of this business originates from China and in generated by Chinese platforms such as Temu, Shein and AliExpress. However, global changes to the customs treatment of low value shipments are leading to a shakeup of how this traffic moves – and whether it moves by air or not.
Our latest report published in August 2026 covers the state and outlook for the cross-border e-commerce business and how it will affect the air cargo business. The report includes:
- Recent trends and emerging issues for cross border e-commerce and their relevance for the air logistics business
- A forecast of international air cargo volumes through to 2031. This includes our estimate of how the mix of e-commerce, express and general cargo will change
- Profiles of key platforms Alibaba (AliExpress), Amazon, eBay, PDD (Temu) and Shein.
Purchasers of the report will receive a pdf copy of the report, access to an interactive dashboard showing Chinese low value trade flows, as well as a personal 30 minute briefing to discuss the findings of the report.
Below is a screenshot of the report table of contents and one of the interactive dashboard panels.
Cost of the report, dashboard access and briefing is €1500 excluding VAT (if applicable). Please contact us to set this up.