Photo: China Southern Airlines
China Southern Airlines is expanding cargo services to North America as the 2026 FIFA World Cup drives demand for Chinese consumer goods in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
On June 11, a China Southern freighter carrying 105 tonnes of exports departed from Guangzhou for Los Angeles, highlighting growing trade flows linked to the tournament. Sportswear, consumer electronics, fan merchandise, and household goods are among the products in strong demand across North America. According to the airline, cargo and mail volumes on routes to the United States, Canada, and Mexico have exceeded 100,000 tonnes so far this year.
Cross-border e-commerce has emerged as a key driver of growth, accounting for nearly 40% of outbound shipments to North America handled at China Southern's Guangzhou cargo hub. Popular exports include casual apparel, footwear, fan accessories, and everyday consumer goods.
To meet the rising demand, China Southern Air Logistics, the cargo and logistics subsidiary of the Guangzhou-based airline, is operating more than 40 scheduled freighter flights a week to destinations including Los Angeles, Toronto, and Mexico City. The carrier is also leveraging its fleet of 19 Boeing 777 freighters and passenger aircraft belly-hold capacity to expand available more cargo space.
The company said it has deployed digital cargo management systems across its self-operated terminals to improve shipment tracking and operational efficiency. It has also streamlined customs clearance procedures for battery-powered and electronic goods, a move which has reduced transit times for certain cross-border e-commerce shipments by one to two days.
Reporter: Zeng Xiangxing
