Approximately what percent of world trade value is carried by air?

Study for the IATA Training Exam with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question offers hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Approximately what percent of world trade value is carried by air?

Air transport carries a disproportionately large share of world trade value compared with its share of trade volume. This happens because air freight is the preferred mode for high-value, time-sensitive goods—electronics, pharmaceuticals, luxury items, fashion, and perishable products—where speed matters and the value per kilogram is high. Because these goods have high value relative to their weight, moving them by air boosts the total value shipped, even though only a small portion of total tonnage goes by air. That combination leads to roughly one-third of global trade value traveling by air, commonly cited around 35 percent. The other modes handle the bulk of volume, especially for lower-value, heavier goods, which is why the percentage sits in that mid-30s range rather than at the extremes.

Air transport carries a disproportionately large share of world trade value compared with its share of trade volume. This happens because air freight is the preferred mode for high-value, time-sensitive goods—electronics, pharmaceuticals, luxury items, fashion, and perishable products—where speed matters and the value per kilogram is high. Because these goods have high value relative to their weight, moving them by air boosts the total value shipped, even though only a small portion of total tonnage goes by air. That combination leads to roughly one-third of global trade value traveling by air, commonly cited around 35 percent. The other modes handle the bulk of volume, especially for lower-value, heavier goods, which is why the percentage sits in that mid-30s range rather than at the extremes.

More practice questions