Due to the massive international business conducted by Chinese e-commerce giants Shein and Temu, air cargo rates have skyrocketed, leaving less room or capacity for other businesses to ship goods and supplies from China.
The global appeal of Shein and Temu, e-commerce behemoths whose fast fashion offerings are packing almost every air freight flight out of China, is straining the aviation supply chain once more. In June, when business is typically slower, rates increased by up to 40% compared to the same month last year. As one freight forwarding expert cautions, businesses that haven't made air cargo arrangements for the busy pre-holiday shopping season "may be in for quite a ride." We examine the possible ramifications for other businesses that want to fly goods and supplies out of Asia.