HKIA Eyes Cargo Network Expansion Amid US-China Trade Shifts

Post by : Meena Rani

Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) is actively broadening its air cargo network as global trade patterns shift under the ongoing US-China trade dispute. Despite tensions, cargo volumes through the hub remain resilient, according to Fred Lam, chairman of the Airport Authority of Hong Kong.

Speaking at Routes World 2025 in Hong Kong, Lam emphasized that the city is adjusting to changing trade flows while maintaining its status as one of the world’s busiest freight gateways.

“We still see growth for the entire airport cargo sector; we have seen very strong growth now to Europe, to the Middle East, and also to South-East Asia and Australia,” Lam said.

He also highlighted that diversifying cargo markets is becoming increasingly important for airports like HKIA, as the impact of US-China tariffs continues to linger.

Trade Diversion Benefits Hong Kong

The US-China trade conflict, now in its sixth year, has prompted manufacturers and exporters to seek alternative shipping routes and destinations. Some cargo previously destined for the US has been rerouted, but Hong Kong has seen strong demand from Europe and Southeast Asia.

Lam noted that Hong Kong also acts as a transit hub for goods headed to the US from markets replacing China, such as India.

“The city’s extensive regional and global connectivity, along with a mature logistics ecosystem, allows us to withstand shocks from a trade war between the world’s two largest economies,” Lam explained.

Growing Import Potential

While Hong Kong’s cargo exports currently dominate its trade portfolio, there is significant scope to boost imports, particularly as China pivots toward a consumption-driven economy.

“At the moment, two-thirds of our trade is exports and only one-third imports. We believe there’s potential to encourage more imports into Hong Kong,” Lam said.

HKIA: World’s Busiest Cargo Airport

HKIA secured the top spot in the 2024 ranking of the world’s busiest cargo airports, according to Airports Council International (ACI) World, marking the fourteenth time since 2010. The airport handled 4.9 million tonnes of cargo in 2024.

In August 2025, cargo volumes increased 5.6% year-on-year to 429,000 tonnes, driven mainly by traffic to Europe and the Middle East, offsetting declines from North America due to tariffs.

Transshipments, which use Hong Kong as a midway point between origin and destination, rose 13.5%, underlining the city’s role as a global cargo hub. Over the first eight months of 2025, total cargo traffic grew 2.6% year-on-year to 3.3 million tonnes, while a 12-month rolling figure shows a 5% increase to 5 million tonnes.

Infrastructure Investments to Support Growth

To maintain its leading position, HKIA has invested heavily in infrastructure. The three-runway system project has significantly increased capacity, while new logistics facilities are being developed to support e-commerce and temperature-controlled shipments.

Lam emphasized that these investments ensure Hong Kong remains competitive in a rapidly changing trade environment, helping the airport to adapt to new trade flows and strengthen its global cargo network.

HKIA cargo expansion, Hong Kong Airport freight, US-China trade impact