The Airforwarders Association of India (AAI) has welcomed the recently signed U.S.–India trade deal, highlighting the positive impact of the tariff reductions on air cargo and logistics between the two countries.
In a statement, the association said the trade pact, which lowered reciprocal tariffs on key goods to 18%, is expected to enhance the competitiveness of Indian exports, particularly in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, textiles, engineering goods, and seafood. The reduced tariffs are also anticipated to increase demand for air freight services, benefiting forwarders and logistics providers operating across major routes.
“The tariff cuts and clearer trade framework give exporters and logistics providers confidence to plan long-term shipments,” said Ravi Kumar, President of AAI. “Airforwarders are well-positioned to support the expected surge in cross-border cargo flows, ensuring timely delivery and efficient handling.”
The agreement is expected to stimulate growth in air cargo volumes as Indian goods become more competitive in the U.S. market. Importers in the United States are likely to respond with increased orders, which will in turn boost freight-forwarding activity and strengthen supply chain efficiency.
Industry experts note that the trade deal also benefits perishable goods exporters, such as seafood and fresh produce, where air freight is essential to maintain quality during transit. Reduced tariffs, coupled with reliable air logistics, could help India regain market share and compete more effectively against other exporters to the U.S.