TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s major carriers will nearly double cargo fuel surcharges in May as rising global oil prices push up air freight costs, CNA reported Tuesday.

China Airlines said in a notice to agents on Monday that it will adjust cargo fuel surcharges for Taiwan exports to Europe, the US, and Asia starting May 1. The airline said the change is based on average fuel procurement costs and approval from the Civil Aviation Administration.

Under the new rates, surcharges for exports to Europe and the US will rise from NT$41 (US$1.30) to NT$81 per kg. Charges for shipments to Asia will increase from NT$14 to NT$28 per kg.

Starlux Airlines said it will implement similar adjustments starting on May 2. The airline said its rate changes for both long-haul and short-haul routes will align with those set by China Airlines.

EVA Air also said earlier that it will adjust Taiwan export cargo fuel surcharges starting May 2. It will raise rates to NT$81 per kg for Europe and the US and NT$28 per kg for Asia.

Air freight forwarders said the increases reflect sustained pressure from high oil prices, noting that airlines already raised fuel surcharges in April. They said current air freight rates from Taiwan to the US range between NT$261 and NT$291 per kg.

Industry analysts said the next round of increases could push US-bound cargo prices above NT$300 per kg. They added that exporters are likely to rush shipments ahead of Labor Day holiday in May and before the new surcharges take effect.

The main drivers supporting Taiwan’s air cargo market are AI-related products, semiconductor equipment, and networking devices, per Mirror Media. These industries are highly dependent on the US market, with direct air freight rates to the US at about NT$220 to NT$250 per kg.