Latin America and the Caribbean record a rebound in international air cargo

International air cargo to, from, and within Latin America and the Caribbean registered year-on-year growth of 2.9% in November 2025, measured in metric tons transported, reaching a total of 358,440 tons. This result marks an increase compared to October, when growth was 0.9%, and confirms a gradual recovery in regional air trade.

Aggregate growth was concentrated in four markets: Peru (+30%), Panama (+10.8%), Argentina (+9.6%), and Chile (+9.3%). In contrast, Brazil and Colombia, the region's two largest international air cargo markets, maintained a negative trend, with further year-on-year contractions in November.

Peru led the rebound with its best performance of 2025, driven by increased trade with the United States, Ecuador, and Colombia. The Peru-United States market, which accounts for 47% of the country's international cargo, grew 29.6% year-on-year, while the Lima-Miami route increased by 39.2%. In total, Peru moved 27,400 metric tons, positioning itself as the sixth largest market in the region.

Chile ranked as the fourth largest international air cargo market in November, with 43,120 metric tons transported and a year-on-year increase of 9.3%. This performance was driven by increased traffic to and from the United States, which accounted for 54% of Chilean cargo. Air exports of seafood products grew by 12.9%, while fruit exports saw a year-on-year increase of 65%, with China and the United States as the main destinations.

Panama handled 22,926 metric tons, representing a year-over-year increase of 10.8%, making it the seventh largest regional market. Argentina was the eighth largest market, with 20,035 metric tons transported, driven by an 18% increase in its air exports.

Brazil, the region's largest market, saw a year-on-year contraction of 5.6%, moving 74,755 metric tons. The largest drop was observed in flows to the United States, which fell 15% year-on-year.

Colombia experienced a year-on-year contraction of 4.3%, concentrated in its air exports to the United States. However, in the January-November period, the country maintained a year-on-year growth of 1.3%.

Mexico, the third largest market, moved 57,948 metric tons in November, with a year-on-year growth of 3.9%, driven by higher flows with the United States and China.

Ecuador's exports fell 4.4% year-on-year, affected by reduced shipments to the Netherlands and Colombia. Costa Rica showed stability with slight growth of 0.3%, while El Salvador experienced a 6.6% decline.

According to Peter Cerdá, CEO of ALTA, “the markets that grew were driven by higher volumes to and from the United States, with China contributing additional growth in some flows. In contrast, Brazil and Colombia registered declines due to setbacks in their trade dynamics with the United States, confirming the decisive weight of the main trading partners in the region.”

In terms of capacity, cargo aircraft operating to and from Latin America and the Caribbean totaled 837 million ton-kilometers, a slight contraction of 0.2%. The B777F consolidated its position as the main contributor of capacity, followed by the B747, while the A330F led year-on-year growth.

Source:
ALTA – Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association.