Statistics released by the Japan Air Cargo Express Association (JAFA) on October 20 show Japan's September 2026 air cargo exports reached 81,992 tonnes, up 15% year on year — a seventh consecutive monthly increase and the fourth straight month of double-digit growth. Semiconductor-related demand is the core engine of this upcycle.
By destination, September exports to China rose 11% to 17,442 tonnes, also the seventh consecutive monthly gain; shipments to Taiwan jumped 48% to 10,283 tonnes (a 28-month streak); the US took 13,769 tonnes, up 19%, with the US West Coast surging 60%; Europe/Middle East/Africa fell 7% to 10,724 tonnes — a clearly divergent regional picture.
The driver is concentrated release of air-freight demand for semiconductor equipment and high-end electronic components amid AI computing investment. As one of the world's leading suppliers of semiconductor manufacturing equipment and premium components, Japan relies heavily on airfreight to protect delivery lead times. Industry researcher NX Logistics Research Institute has forecast that Japan's FY2026 air cargo exports could reach 1.13 million tonnes, up 11.9% year on year — the first full-year double-digit gain in five years.
For China-Japan logistics, the data confirms two things. First, air cargo volumes are strengthening in both directions: e-commerce and industrial goods from China to Japan, and semiconductor equipment and components from Japan to China, are lifting demand on both sides. Second, as Q4 peak season sets in, space on full freighters and passenger belly capacity on the China-Japan lane will tighten. Air rates float with the market (always quoted in real time), so time-sensitive cargo should be booked early — or combine airfreight with LCL ocean consolidation to control cost.
To check air freight lead times and reference rates from Chinese cities to Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and beyond, use the Ruiyutong rate calculator for published rates or track in-transit shipments on our tracking page. You can also click sales@ruixincargo.com to send your cargo details (description, weight, volume, origin) — our team will work out the best option online.