Cargo volumes between Hong Kong and Europe have fallen sharply following the European Union's introduction of a customs duty on low-value ecommerce parcels, reported London's Air Cargo News.

Data from WorldACD showed a "very significant" 12 per cent week on week drop in tonnage from Hong Kong to Europe in the week ending 5 July, after declines of 7 per cent and 2 per cent in the prior two weeks. The fall was linked to the end of the EU's de minimis exemption on goods valued below EUR50, replaced on 1 July by a temporary charge per item.

Rotate figures indicated direct freighter capacity from Hong Kong fell by about 19 per cent week on week in early July, reflecting reduced demand. Asia Pacific to Europe tonnages overall were down 2 per cent in week 27 and 4 per cent the previous week.

While Hong Kong Europe traffic slumped to late March levels, volumes from China to Europe appeared to stabilise in early July. Taiwan Europe flows rose around 20 per cent over three weeks, driven by AI related computer equipment, contrasting with declines in Taiwan and Hong Kong.

Overall global cargo volumes dropped 2 per cent week on in week 27, affected by the Hong Kong Europe downturn and the US Independence Day holiday.

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