&w=3840&q=100)
Asia leads air cargo recovery with 10% growth as global demand soars
Air cargo is flying high again, with Asia leading the charge. According to data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), global air freight demand surged 5.8 per cent year-on-year in April 2025, with Asia-Pacific carriers delivering a standout performance at 10 per cent growth.
The rise was driven by seasonal shipping of fashion and consumer goods — some of it front-loaded ahead of US tariff changes — and a 21.2 per cent drop in jet fuel prices over the past year.
Asia-Pacific leads recovery
Asia-Pacific carriers posted a 10 per cent year-on-year increase in demand, with capacity up 9.4 per cent. This reflects strong intra-regional trade and continued resilience on Europe-Asia routes, which grew 11.3 per cent in April — marking 26 consecutive months of expansion.
India's exporters could benefit from this momentum. In April, India's Flash Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) climbed to 60.0, up from 59.5 in March, the strongest pace of growth in eight months. The uptick was driven by strong international demand for services and manufactured goods, with new export orders growing at their fastest pace since September 2014.
Regional trends in air cargo
Latin American airlines saw the highest growth at 10.1 per cent, while North American carriers posted a 4.2 per cent increase. European carriers recorded a more modest 2.9 per cent rise, while West Asian airlines saw the slowest growth at 2.3 per cent.
'Air cargo demand grew strongly in April, building on March's solid performance,' said Willie Walsh, IATA's Director General. 'While the outlook is encouraging, global trade stresses and shifting policies, especially in the US, will require airlines to stay flexible in the coming months.'
Mixed trends in trade lanes
IATA noted that all international trade routes except for West Asia-Europe, Africa-Asia, and intra-European routes recorded growth. Europe-Asia routes saw an 11.3 per cent surge, continuing the 26-month growth streak. In contrast, Africa-Asia traffic fell by 7.9 per cent, and intra-European cargo declined by 8.8 per cent.
Industry outlook: Cautious optimism
Air cargo capacity rose 6.3 per cent from last year, while freight rates showed signs of improvement. Jet fuel prices have declined for three straight months, with a 4.1 per cent drop in April alone. The global manufacturing PMI ticked up to 50.5, signalling modest expansion, though the new export orders index slipped to 47.2, below the threshold for growth.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
6 minutes ago
- Business Standard
Asia shares rise as tech rally lifts Wall Street, US jobs test looms large
Asia shares firmed on Monday as seemingly unquenchable demand for technology companies lifted S&P 500 futures to another all-time peak, while the dollar dipped on concerns US jobs data will show enough weakness to justify larger rate cuts. Investors were also keeping a wary eye on the progress of a huge US tax-cutting and spending bill slowly making its way through the Senate, with signs it may not make it by President Donald Trump's preferred July 4 deadline. The Congressional Budget Office estimated the bill would add $3.3 trillion to the nation's debt, testing foreign appetite for US Treasuries. There was no doubting the demand for the US tech sector and megacap growth stocks including Nvidia, Alphabet and Amazon. Nasdaq futures rose another 0.3 per cent, while S&P 500 e-minis added 0.2 per cent. The bullish sentiment spilled over into Japan's Nikkei which rose 1.0 per cent, while South Korean stocks gained 0.5 per cent. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan firmed 0.1 per cent. A holiday on Friday means US payrolls are a day early, with analysts forecasting a rise of 110,000 in June with the jobless rate ticking up to 4.3 per cent. The resilience of the labour market is a major reason the majority of Federal Reserve members say they can afford to wait on cutting rates until they can gauge the true impact of tariffs on inflation, so a weak report would stoke speculation of a rate cut in July rather than September. "While initial jobless claims retreated somewhat from their recent high, continuing claims jumped higher yet again," noted Michael Feroli, head of US economics at JPMorgan. "Consumers' assessment of labor market conditions also deteriorated in the latest confidence report." "Both of these developments suggest that the unemployment rate in June should tick up to 4.3 per cent, with a significant risk of reaching 4.4 per cent." The latter outcome would likely see futures push up the chance of a July easing from the current 18 per cent and price in more than the present 63 basis points of cuts for this year. DOLLAR DOLDRUMS Fed Chair Jerome Powell will have an opportunity to repeat his cautious outlook when he joins several other central bank chiefs at the European Central Bank forum in Sintra on Tuesday. The prospect of an eventual policy easing has helped Treasuries weather worries about the US budget deficit and the huge amount of borrowing it entails. Yields on 10-year Treasuries were steady at 3.27 per cent, having fallen 9 basis points last week. The dollar has not fared so well, in part due to concerns tariffs and chaotic policies from the White House will drag on economic growth and erode the country's claim to exceptionalism. The euro was near its highest since September 2021 at $1.1731, having climbed 1.7 per cent last week, while sterling stood near a similar peak at $1.3719. The dollar was down a fraction at 144.48 yen, after losing 1 per cent last week, while the dollar index dipped to 97.163. James Reilly, a senior markets economist at Capital Economics, noted the dollar had fallen by more at this stage in the year than in any previous year since the US moved to a free-floating exchange rate in 1973. "At this point, further weakness could become self-reinforcing as underhedged European/Asian portfolios chase the move," he added. "So, we suspect that this could be a pivotal period for the greenback - either it turns around here or there is another 5 per cent or so fall around the corner." In commodity markets, the general revival in risk sentiment has undermined gold, which slipped to $3,266 an ounce and further away from April's record top of $3,500. [GOL/] Oil prices continued to struggle on concerns about plans for increased output from OPEC+, which contributed to a 12 per cent slide last week. [O/R] Brent dropped a further 55 cents to $67.22 a barrel, while US crude eased 68 cents to $64.84 per barrel.
Mint
17 minutes ago
- Mint
Stock market today: Trade setup for Nifty 50 to global markets; eight stocks to buy or sell on Monday —30 June 2025
Stock market today: For the week ending 27 June 2025, the benchmark Nifty-50 index ended 2.3% higher week on week, helped by favorable global cues. Bank Nifty gained more than 2% to end at 57,443.90, while metals, IT, and oil & gas indices were other key gainers. The broader indices gained 2.4% to 4.3% during the week. For the Nifty, 25,500–25,300 would act as crucial retracement support zones. Above this level, the uptrend may continue, with 25,850 serving as the immediate resistance, though the index has upside potential up to 26,000, as per Amol Athawale, VP-Technical Research, Kotak Securities. For Bank Nifty, 57,000–56,700–56,500 would be key support zones, while 57,500–57,800–58,200 could serve as crucial resistance levels for traders, as per Athawale. Looking ahead, global cues will continue to drive market direction. Despite improved sentiment, caution persists regarding potential tariff escalations, with U.S. tariffs scheduled to resume from July 9, and updates on trade agreements will remain in focus, as per Ajit Mishra, SVP, Research, Religare Broking Ltd. The U.S. president recently announced on a social media platform the signing of a deal with China and indicated a potential deal with India, although details remain scant. Further clarity on these developments will be closely monitored by the market, as per Mishra. Domestically, high-frequency data such as IIP and PMI figures will be in focus, along with monsoon progress and FII activity, to gauge short-term market trends. Sumeet Bagadia, Executive Director at Choice Broking, has recommended two stock picks for today. Ganesh Dongre, Senior Manager of Technical Research at Anand Rathi, suggested three stocks, while Shiju Koothupalakkal, Senior Manager of Technical Research at Prabhudas Lilladher, has given three stock picks. These include Bharti Airtel Ltd., SRF Ltd., SBI Life Insurance Company Ltd., Chambal Fertilisers & Chemicals Ltd., DLF Ltd., Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd., Bharat Dynamics Ltd., and NOCIL Ltd. 1. Bharti Airtel Ltd.—Bagadia recommends buying Bharti Airtel or BHARTIARTL at around ₹ 2027.10, keeping stop-loss at ₹ 1956 for a target price of ₹ 2170. BHARTIARTL is currently trading at ₹ 2027.10, maintaining a strong upward trajectory marked by the formation of consistent higher highs and higher lows. The stock recently touched a 52-week high of ₹ 2039 and is now approaching a crucial resistance zone near ₹ 2050. A successful breakout above this level could trigger further buying interest and drive the stock toward the short-term target of ₹ 2170. 2. SRF Ltd.-Bagadia recommends buying SRF at around ₹ 3174.8, keeping stop-loss at ₹ 3063 for a target price of ₹ 3400. SRF is currently trading at ₹ 3174.80, following a strong upward trend characterized by the consistent formation of higher highs and higher lows—a classic sign of sustained bullish momentum. The stock recently touched a new all-time high of ₹ 3188. A breakout and close above the key resistance level of ₹ 3200 could attract fresh buying interest and fuel the next leg of the rally. 3. SBI Life Insurance Company Ltd.—Dongre recommends buying SBI Life Insurance, or SBILIFE, at around ₹ 1850, keeping stop-loss at ₹ 1820 for a target price of ₹ 1890. In the recent short-term trend analysis of the stock, a notable bullish reversal pattern has emerged. This technical pattern suggests the possibility of a temporary retracement in the stock's price, potentially reaching around ₹ 1890. At present, the stock is maintaining a crucial support level at ₹ 1820. Given the current market price of ₹ 1850, a buying opportunity is emerging. This suggests that investors might consider purchasing the stock at its current price, anticipating a rise towards the identified target of ₹ 1890. 4. Chambal Fertilisers & Chemicals Ltd.—Dongre recommends buying Chambal Fertilisers & Chemicals, or CHAMBLFERT, at ₹ 560, keeping Stoploss at ₹ 545 for a target price of ₹ 590. We have seen a major support in this stock around ₹ 545. So, at the current juncture, the stock has again seen a reversal price action formation at the ₹ 560 price level, which may continue its rally till its next resistance level of ₹ 590, so traders can buy and hold this stock with a stop loss of ₹ 545 for the target price of ₹ 590 in the upcoming weeks. 5. DLF Ltd.—Dongre recommends buying DLF at around ₹ 845, keeping stop-loss at ₹ 825 for a target price of ₹ 875. In the recent short-term trend analysis of the stock, a notable bullish reversal pattern has emerged. This technical pattern suggests that there could be a temporary retracement in the stock's price, possibly to around ₹ 845. Currently, the stock is holding a crucial support level at ₹ 825. Given this scenario, there is potential for the stock to rebound towards the ₹ 875 level in the near future. Traders are advised to consider taking a long position, with a strategic stop loss set at ₹ 845 to manage risk effectively. The target price for this trade is ₹ 875, reflecting the anticipated upward movement based on the identified technical. 6. Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd.—Koothupalakkal recommends buying Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail, or ABREL, at around ₹ 2397 for a target price of ₹ 2500, keeping stop loss at ₹ 2355. The stock has indicated a rising channel pattern on the daily chart and is currently taking support near the lower band of the channel at the ₹ 2330 zone, which is also where the 200-period MA lies. It has indicated a bullish candle formation with significant volume participation to anticipate for further rise in the coming sessions. The RSI has cooled off from the highly overbought zone, and with a positive trend reversal indicated, it has signalled a buy, and further rise with another round of momentum is anticipated. With the chart technically looking good, we suggest buying the stock. 7. Bharat Dynamics Ltd.—Koothupalakkal recommends buying BHARAT DYNAMICS at around ₹ 1890 for a target price of ₹ 1980, keeping Stop loss: at ₹ 1855. The stock has been in a strong uptrend, and after a short period of gradual correction, it has once again indicated a bullish candle formation on the daily chart, taking with it significant volume participation to improve the bias once again, and we can anticipate another round of fresh upward movement in the coming sessions. The RSI has cooled off from the overbought zone and is currently well-positioned with a positive trend reversal indicated to signal a buy. With the chart technically looking attractive, we suggest buying the stock. 8. NOCIL Ltd.—Koothupalakkal recommends buying NOCIL at around ₹ 194.70 for a target price of ₹ 210, keeping Stop loss at ₹ 189 The stock has overall indicated a rising channel pattern on the daily chart, and recently taking support near the 180 zone has indicated a revival to witness a decent pullback moving past the 50EMA at the 190 level to improve the bias. The RSI is well placed with strength indicated, signalling a buy with much upside potential from the current rate to carry on with the positive move further ahead. With the chart looking good, we suggest buying the stock for an upside target of ₹ 210 level, keeping the stop loss at ₹ 189 level. Disclaimer: The views and recommendations made above are those of individual analysts or broking companies and not of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decisions.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
21 minutes ago
- Business Standard
Best of BS Opinion: Trump's citizenship rules may upend world order
Hello and welcome to BS Views, our newsletter that sums up today's opinion page. Our editorial as well as lead columnist weigh in on President Trump's proposed ban on birthright citizenship and its wider consequences. Our second columnist looks at what plagues India's manufacturing sector and how it might be fixed. The first major shock of the Trump presidency was an executive order banning 'birthright citizenship' in the US. As our first editorial points out, birthright citizenship is the norm in most countries that have inherited British common-law, including the US. President Trump's order faced legal pushback but the US Supreme Court has said that lower courts' decisions cannot amount to a nationwide overturning of the order. In short, the White House might be soon be able to start restricting birthright citizenship. The birthright citizenship law has held good since 1898, and has allowed the US to become a successful multi-ethnic society. That is what enrages some of Trump's followers who oppose the idea that that anyone can be American. If birthright citizenship is indeed rolled back, then it will be an epochal shift in American identity and in its role in the world. The Indian Railways is set to increase fares starting July, a move that is expected to pull in revenue of roughly Rs 700 crore this fiscal year. However, as our second editorial argues, this bump is unlikely to change the dynamics of the railways' revenue - given passenger fares account for less than a third of the total revenue - or help it fund infrastructure upgrades. Instead, losses are covered through cross-subsidies from freight operations and higher fares for premium travel, such as air-conditioned rakes. This, too, may be a losing proposition considering freight traffic has been losing out to road transport, while AC services account for a mere 5 per cent of passengers, forcing it to look to government grants and extrabudgetary support for capital expenditure. The real issue is the lack of clarity on its commercial and social objectives. Without rationalising these contrasting goals, the railways will struggle to become world-class. Our lead columnist Mihir S. Sharma wonders if the West's experiment with open borders is coming to an end, given President's Trump ban on birthright citizenship and European nations' realisation that their openness might have had unintended consequences. Some of his advisors' and party colleagues' are even willing to seek to void citizenship rights of naturalised Americans. What is worrying is that these ideas are finding echoes across the Atlantic. Germany's decision to open borders to asylum-seekers from West Asia have had a ripple effect in the continent's politics. In the UK, Brexiteers oversaw migration grow manifold from non-European nations, including India. As a result of populist backlash against what is seen as unbridled immigration, mainstream politicians across Europe are slowly closing the continent off, following hesitantly in Trump's footsteps about foreigners among their midst. India's manufacturing sector and it's role as a solution to persistent issues of employment and economic growth have long been the subject of debate. While the need of the hour is more local manufacturing, points out our second columnist Debashis Basu, it's share in GDP has actually slipped further. The much-touted Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme hasn't quite taken off. A genuine manufacturing ecosystem takes years of reform which, in India's case, has been sporadic. Had it taken off, he says, it could have addressed both joblessness and poverty. Instead, the government has focused on cash transfers and welfare schemes, killing any incentive to work. India's demographic dividend, Basu warns, is fast turning into a demographic liability.
