The Airforwarders Association (AfA) has cautioned that global air freight networks are still adapting to the new post–de minimis environment, with compliance tightening, shipment profiles shifting, and operational costs rising since the exemption’s removal on August 29.
Speaking at the FIATA World Congress 2025 in Hanoi, AfA Executive Director Brandon Fried said that members have reported higher duties, longer cycle times, and more complex returns management as formal customs entry requirements replace the simplified small-parcel model.
Industry in Transition
“The industry has moved overnight from light-touch clearance to full formal entry,” said Brandon Fried, Executive Director, AfA.
“We are seeing fewer parcels but larger, better-documented shipments. Fraud has dropped, but working-capital and compliance burdens have climbed sharply. Realignment is far from finished.”
Fried highlighted that freight forwarders and shippers are now focusing on consolidation, tariff accuracy, and data integrity to remain competitive in the evolving customs environment.
He advised forwarders to:
- Consolidate shipments strategically to optimize clearance and cost efficiency.
- Invest in master data and tariff governance to maintain regulatory compliance.
- Leverage Free Trade Zones (FTZs) and Inward Processing Relief (IPR) schemes to manage duty cash flow and streamline returns processes.
“Forwarders who address duty and visibility early will be best positioned to manage the post–de minimis transition effectively,” Fried noted.
Industry Collaboration at FIATA World Congress
More than 1,000 delegates from over 100 countries attended the FIATA World Congress 2025, held under the theme “Green and Resilient Logistics.”
The event served as a global platform for logistics professionals to exchange insights on sustainability, trade facilitation, and supply chain transformation.
The Airforwarders Association continues to advocate for the interests of freight forwarders worldwide, ensuring their perspectives influence evolving trade policies, regulatory frameworks, and logistics modernization initiatives.
Looking Ahead: AirCargo Conference 2026
The AfA, together with partners, will co-host the AirCargo Conference 2026 in Orlando, Florida, next February.
The event will bring together airlines, airports, forwarders, and regulators to discuss the next phase of air cargo modernization, compliance, and collaboration.