Escalating US Tariffs: A Shock to African Airfreight and a Test for AfCFTA

The recent wave of United States tariff increases is creating shockwaves extending far beyond China - the initially declared target. These impacts are hitting directly at the heart of Africa's airfreight sector, a critical lifeline for high-value exports and just-in-time supply chains.

Immediate Impact: Heavy Competitive Pressure

For African exporters, the initial impact is starkly negative. Perishables such as Kenyan flowers and Senegalese produce, as well as electronic components and spare parts destined for the US, are seeing their price competitiveness eroded almost overnight.

According to Mr. Malang Diop, a logistics and airfreight consultant specializing in the African market, this external shock has exposed a structural weakness: Africa's reliance on extra-continental markets. However, he argues that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) can serve as a stabilizing buffer. By stimulating intra-regional demand and reducing reliance on non-African destinations, AfCFTA unlocks access to a market of 1.3 billion consumers.

Mr. Diop explained: “Intra-African airfreight for high-value goods can grow significantly, provided we see improved infrastructure, airport and cargo centre modernisation, and the development of specialised logistics platforms for pharmaceuticals, high-tech products, and perishables.”

Air transport liberalization is a key factor. Accelerating the implementation of the Yamoussoukro Decision and removing restrictions on fifth freedom rights within the continent will significantly improve connectivity and utilization efficiency.

External Shock: A Catalyst for Reform

Beyond the immediate disruption, Mr. Diop views the tariff hikes as a potential catalyst. 

“External shocks reveal the vulnerability of existing logistical dependencies. This creates a window of political opportunity,” he said, pointing to the urgent need to reform and realign priorities toward continental resilience.

In this shifting landscape, Ethiopia emerges as a potential beneficiary. Ethiopian Airlines currently operates Africa's most efficient cargo hub, serving over 130 destinations.

Exporter Reality: Margins and Uncertainty

However, on the ground, exporters focused on the US market face a much harsher reality. Mr. Serigne Cheikh, a lecturer at the Kebemer training center near Dakar and owner of the company ELJEFE, describes a severe deterioration in business conditions.

Mr. Cheikh explained: “This decision has directly affected our market. Transportation costs have increased significantly. I used to ship through group orders, but it has become extremely expensive.”

Analyzing the numbers, Mr. Cheikh estimates that total logistics costs (including freight, insurance, and duties) have risen by $0.30 - $0.50 per kg. For products with already thin margins facing stiff competition from Latin America, this increase is a massive hurdle.

He stated: “In practical terms, our FOB price must absorb the shock, otherwise the final price in the US becomes uncompetitive.”

Exporters are facing a dilemma: slash margins by 15 to 20% or raise prices and risk losing contracts.

For orders with the lowest margins, cancellations have already begun. Mr. Cheikh recounted: “One client told us they would rather sell locally at a loss than risk airfreight costs and unsold goods.”

Beyond the financial impact, uncertainty has become a major obstacle. Clients struggle to calculate final landed costs under the new tariff regime.

Mr. Cheikh noted: “A cargo aircraft needs to be full to be profitable. Hesitant customers make planning extremely difficult and increase the risk of flights departing half-empty.”

Operational Response and Practical Solutions

To mitigate these challenges, air logistics operators are deploying tactical solutions. Ms. Kiné Ndiaye, an air logistics expert, identifies consolidation as a key lever.

She explained: “Instead of shipping small individual pallets, we consolidate cargo for multiple clients heading to the same destination.”

This approach allows for negotiating preferential rates with airlines and spreading fixed costs over larger volumes.

Ms. Ndiaye also advocates for more structural innovation, proposing the development of a transparent digital platform allowing for real-time total transport cost simulation.

She said: “Removing uncertainty allows exporters to make informed decisions and restores confidence.”

She also urged for closer partnerships with customs authorities, including green lanes and pre-clearance systems. Additionally, building the "Made in Africa" brand as a premium label is emphasized to justify higher price points.

Conclusion

The US tariff hike is a clear short-term disruption for African airfreight. However, if leveraged effectively, AfCFTA and operational innovation can help reduce Africa's exposure to external trade policy shifts, turning the current challenge into a driver for a more autonomous and resilient airfreight ecosystem.

See more:

• 2026 Global Logistics Market Outlook: 5 Key Trends by Transportation Mode
• WorldACD: Global Air Cargo Market Stabilizes Ahead of Lunar New Year
• Maersk Takes Over Two Panama Canal Gateway Ports Following Court Ruling
• Port of Savannah Wraps Up 2025 with Second-Highest Throughput in History
• COSCO schedules: Vietnam - North America in Feb 2026
• SITC updates Vietnam-Intra Asia sailing schedules in Feb 2026
• COSCO updates Vietnam-North Europe sailing schedules in Feb 2026
• Port of Singapore 2025: Setting Double Records in Container Throughput and Bunkering
• International Shipping and Logistics Market Update Week 4/2026 | Phaata
• Indian Logistics Sector Eyes Policy Stability and Infrastructure Push in 2026
• CNC Enhances JTX Service: Direct Call to Sihanoukville and Optimized Transshipment via Vung Tau
• DHL Global Forwarding Launches Multimodal 'Truck-Air' Service: A New Bridge for the Asia-Europe Route

Source: Phaata.com (According to Air Cargo Week)

► Find Better Freight Rates & Logistics Service Providers!