E-commerce lifting global air cargo market

The rise of cross-border e-commerce is lifting the global air cargo market like never before, with China leading the way, boosted by Air Silk Road or air routes that connect the country with the economies participating in the Belt and Road Initiative. From flowers and fruits to consumer electronics containing lithium-ion batteries, all are par for the air cargo course now. Besides generating cargo business for airlines, this trend has boosted trade in certain niche sectors like smart wearable and electronic products produced by Chinese enterprises. In 2023, China’s imports and exports of cross-border e-commerce products were worth 2.38 trillion yuan ($328.3 billion), up 15.6 per cent year-on-year. Products exported for cross-border e-commerce alone reached 1.83 trillion yuan, up nearly 20 per cent year-on-year, according to the General Administration of Customs, as per a report.