China has maintained its position as the world’s leading air cargo origin country, underscoring a broader eastward shift in global air freight flows, according to the latest ranking data from WorldACD.
The data shows that China’s ascent to the top was not a short-lived aftermath of pandemic supply chain disruption but a long-term structural realignment in global trade. Since overtaking the United States in 2020, China has sustained its lead through strong export activity and integration in global manufacturing networks.
While the United States remains a major air cargo hub, it now ranks second in origin cargo volume. Traditional European players like Hong Kong and Germany have also held steady in the top tier of global rankings.
The report highlights notable movements in the broader cargo ecosystem, including India’s rise to fifth place, overtaking Japan — reflecting India’s expanding manufacturing sectors, pharmaceuticals output, and rapid growth in e-commerce related exports.
Other markets, such as Vietnam, are also gaining ground, showcasing Southeast Asia’s increased role in air freight due to diversified production and regional supply chain shifts. Conversely, some previously prominent markets like South Korea and Australia have fallen in rankings, illustrating the competitive dynamism of air cargo markets.
Analysts say the shift mirrors how global trade routes and manufacturing supply chains are evolving, with Asia-Pacific economies playing ever larger roles in shipping high-value and time-sensitive goods by air.
