Cathay: The cancellation of small goods tariff exemptions by the United States hinders the growth of e-commerce trade

Cathay Pacific (00293.HK) cargo director Dominic Perret recently attended the "Asia Logistics Shipping and Air Freight Conference 2025" and stated that the growth rate of e-commerce trade has begun to slow down this year, mainly due to the United States canceling the exemption of small cargo tariffs, which has led to the gradual withdrawal of some trans-Pacific shipping capacity from the market. However, while some markets are weakening, demand in other regions is simultaneously strengthening. He emphasized that e-commerce remains the main driving force behind cargo growth and is also the core of Cathay's cargo business.

Dominic Perret indicated that the group has increased flight frequencies in response to the significant increase in demand from Southeast Asia and has also launched several new routes in Europe, such as the Madrid cargo route, reflecting strong cargo demand. At the same time, markets along the "Belt and Road" continue to grow, and Cathay currently operates about 30 related destinations, with over 500 flights per week