US Tariffs Slow Chinas Air Cargo Rebound Top 30 Airports Hit

A sudden trade policy shift is quietly transforming the global air freight map. The implementation of U.S. tariff measures has created ripple effects across China's aviation sector, with the latest cargo flight data revealing significant changes in airport performance during Week 19 (May 5-11) of 2025.

Overall Trends: Weak Post-Holiday Recovery Amid Slowing Growth

China's top 30 airports recorded a total of 7,435 cargo flights during the observed week, marking a 2.96% week-over-week increase (214 additional flights). However, compared to pre-holiday Week 17, this represents a reduction of 976 flights, indicating sluggish post-holiday recovery. While the 7.59% year-over-year growth extends a 13-week positive streak, the low baseline from 2024 tempers optimism. Analysts attribute this market uncertainty primarily to the impact of U.S. tariff policies.

Airport Performance: Shenzhen Leads Growth While Zhengzhou Declines

The Top 30 ranking reveals stark divergences among airports. Twenty airports showed week-over-week growth, with Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport leading at +75 flights. Ezhou Huahu Airport maintained stable operations with no change from the previous week. Conversely, ten airports experienced declines, most notably Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport (-58 flights), potentially reflecting regional industrial adjustments and varying exposure to trade policy impacts.

Market Segmentation: Stable Leaders, Intense Competition Among Smaller Airports

The airports can be categorized into three distinct tiers based on weekly flight volume:

First Tier (≥500 weekly flights):

Hong Kong International Airport dominates with 1,475 flights, followed by Shanghai Pudong International Airport (812 flights). Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport surged to third place (674 flights), overtaking Ezhou Huahu Airport (655 flights). Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (534 flights) and Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (506 flights) complete this leadership group, benefiting from superior infrastructure and route networks.

Second Tier (100-499 weekly flights):

Nanjing Lukou International Airport (358 flights) surpassed Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport (319 flights) for seventh position. Other significant regional players include Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (260 flights) and Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (226 flights), whose performance closely tracks local economic conditions.

Third Tier (<100 weekly flights):

Eighteen airports compete fiercely in this segment, with Beijing Daxing International Airport making the most notable progress (47 flights, +16 week-over-week) to rank 28th. Wuhu Xuancheng Airport and Fuzhou Changle International Airport also showed strong gains, while Ningbo Lishe International Airport and Taiyuan Wusu International Airport experienced significant declines.

Ranking Changes: Shenzhen Soars, Beijing Makes Strides

Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport emerged as the week's standout performer, climbing to third place. Beijing Daxing International Airport advanced eight positions to 28th, demonstrating its growing cargo potential. Nanjing Lukou International Airport gained one position by overtaking Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport.

Challenges and Opportunities in the Tariff Era

The U.S. tariff measures present substantial challenges for China's air freight industry. Increased export costs may reduce competitiveness and suppress cargo demand, while potential trade friction could further constrain growth. However, industry observers note these pressures may accelerate operational improvements, service upgrades, and market diversification among Chinese carriers.

Detailed Rankings: