Brandon Fried, executive director of the Airforwarders Association (AfA), has cautioned that air freight networks are still adapting to the end of de-minimis thresholds, as compliance requirements tighten and the small-parcel model shifts towards heavier, consolidated shipments.

Speaking at the FIATA World Congress 2025 in Hanoi, Fried said AfA members have experienced higher duties, longer processing times, and increased complexity in managing returns since the de-minimis exemption was removed on August 29.

Fried said: “The industry has moved overnight from light-touch clearance to full formal entry.

“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 urged forwarders to consolidate smartly, invest in master data and tariff governance, and design returns solutions through Free Trade Zones or Inward Processing Relief schemes.

He said forwarders must address duty cash-flow early and strengthen visibility across purchase orders to manage the post-de-minimis environment effectively.

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