Fresh produce exports keep African air cargo rising amid new trade pressures
Growth in perishables trade continues to support cargo expansion, but US tariffs and trade imbalances raise new concerns.
AFRICA – Despite tough global conditions, Africa’s air cargo market is holding strong, thanks largely to fresh produce exports.
Airlines across the continent are growing their freight capacity, driven by rising demand for fruit, vegetables, meat, and flowers.
Data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) shows that African carriers recorded an 8.5% rise in cargo volumes in 2024, with capacity growing by 13.6%. This growth is closely linked to the continent’s agriculture exports, especially perishables.
Kenya has remained at the front. It is Africa’s largest vegetable exporter and the world’s third-largest flower exporter. At Nairobi Airport, Kenya Airways Cargo (KQ Cargo) continues to invest in better handling of perishable goods.
“We are developing dedicated handling lanes for meat, fresh produce, and flowers,” said Peter Musola, head of cargo commercial at KQ Cargo. “The goal is to meet rising demand while ensuring high quality and efficiency.”
Expanded reach and new markets
Airlines like Astral Aviation are also widening their networks, with a focus on key regions such as the Middle East and Asia. They are working to improve delivery routes and reach more customers through new agreements.
Astral Aviation recently teamed up with Emirates SkyCargo and Turkish Cargo to improve connectivity. According to CEO Sanjeev Gadhia, the export side looks good, but there are growing concerns over trade imbalance.
“We’re seeing strong perishables exports to Europe and the Middle East, but inbound volumes remain low due to recessionary pressure,” Gadhia explained. He believes opening up to Asian markets could help balance things out.
Agreements like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) are expected to ease regional trade and improve air cargo logistics across the continent. But carriers still face problems with storage and airport facilities.
“Farmers had to destroy flowers when freighters exited during COVID,” Musola recalled, pointing to how fragile the cargo chain can be when external events hit.
New threats from US tariffs
While fresh produce continues to fuel growth, recent global trade decisions have raised concern. New US tariffs are causing uncertainty in major markets.
These changes are beginning to ripple through Africa’s export sector, particularly in horticulture and mining.
Trade experts warn that these tariffs could reduce demand for African goods. Some exporters are already reporting supply chain delays, especially where goods pass through Chinese routes affected by US restrictions.
“Tariffs on Chinese imports have disrupted global supply chains, indirectly affecting African air cargo operations,” noted a recent industry report.
As the region works to keep cargo volumes up, airlines and exporters are watching global markets closely. The hope is to maintain stable growth by strengthening partnerships and finding reliable new buyers, even as trade policies shift.
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