EVA Airways Corp. posted record first-quarter revenue of NT$54.9 billion ($1.7 billion) as customers rushed shipments to beat the implementation of U.S. tariffs, highlighting how trade tensions are reshaping global shipping patterns.
The Taiwanese carrier is navigating President Donald Trump’s new 32% tariff regime that took effect last Wednesday as part of his sweeping “reciprocal tariffs” policy targeting countries with trade surpluses with the U.S.
March cargo revenue jumped 21.4% year-on-year to NT$4.5 billion as clients scrambled to secure air freight space before the new tariffs kicked in. The airline reported its passenger load factors remained above 80% on European and American routes, while popular Southeast Asian destinations like Chiang Mai, Da Nang and Hanoi exceeded 90% capacity.
EVA Air, which serves 61 destinations across four continents with a fleet of 86 aircraft, continues to expand despite regional headwinds. The company will deploy a newly delivered Boeing 787-9 aircraft on its Taoyuan-Munich route starting May 16, followed by Taoyuan-Milan operations beginning May 27.
This expansion comes after EVA finalized a major order for 33 Airbus aircraft in January, including 18 long-range A350-1000s and 15 single-aisle A321neo models, a deal potentially worth up to $10.1 billion.
