Overview

• WorldACD reports a pre-deadline surge of 28% in week 34 followed by weekly declines of 12% and 14% after the 50% tariff took effect on Aug. 27.
• Spot rates from India to the U.S. fell to $3.99 per kilogram in week 36, about 22% lower than a year earlier.
• India’s exports to the U.S. dropped 14.4% in August to $6.86 billion, with textile and apparel shipments contracting and facing higher effective duties when MFN rates apply.
• Traffic is rerouting as India–Europe air cargo rose roughly 8% year over year for Sept. 1–7 and Sri Lanka–U.S. volumes climbed 13%, reflecting Colombo’s transshipment role.
• Since Aug. 29, the suspension of duty-free de minimis has coincided with reports of freighter capacity shifting from China/Hong Kong–U.S. lanes toward Europe.