The Airforwarders Association (AfA) has released the results of a new member survey showing that 83% of respondents experienced reduced shipping volumes from clients as a direct result of United States import tariffs.
More than half of respondents said tariffs required changes to their clients’ supply chains and shipping routes, while nearly half reported increased operational costs and administrative workload.
Members also cited customs delays, airport congestion, reduced flight schedules, and inconsistent security and documentation processes as compounding the impact of tariffs on day-to-day operations.
“Last year was defined by instability, with shifting trade policy, new tariffs, and changing security and compliance requirements, making it difficult for forwarders and their customers to plan with confidence,” said Brandon Fried, Executive Director, Airforwarders Association.
“These results underline the need for more stable, predictable policymaking to provide businesses with the confidence to invest, plan capacity, and make longer-term supply chain decisions.”
The AfA said it will use the survey findings to inform its advocacy on Capitol Hill and with industry stakeholders.
Reacting to the results, Glyn Hughes, Director General, The International Air Cargo Association, added: “The survey results reflect the reality that current U.S. trade policy is creating. As barriers go up, products and supply chains go elsewhere, its economics 101.
“The weaponization of tariffs to punish countries that don’t align to current U.S. positions has caused pain and uncertainty. This has generated a global focus on a U.S. plus one strategy when it comes to consumption markets. The ending of the de minimis exemptions from duties and tariffs has also had a negative impact.
“The reshoring of manufacturing will also face obstacles as unit costs of U.S. manufacturing is not competitive on the global stage. Since the early 1990s, the global economy has thrived, the U.S. has powered ahead as the world’s leading economy and wealthiest nation and over 1 billion people around the globe have been elevated out of extreme poverty on the back of outsourced production. This success is now at risk.”
This comes ahead of the annual AirCargo Conference, hosted by the AfA, which brings together over 1,000 freight forwarders, airlines, airports, regulators, and logistics providers from across the air cargo sector.
Organized together with the Air Expedited Motor Carriers Association and Airports Council International, this year’s event will take place at the Omni Champions Gate in Orlando through February 15-17.