That’s how much more apparel giant VF Corp. estimates it will spend on air freight this year than in 2020, as global ocean shipping woes push more global freight to air, according to an article in the Wall Street Journal. It’s actually a rather un-virtuous cycle. Big delays in ocean shipping and sky rocketing rates are pushing many companies to look at the more expensive air option, which in turn is helping air rates to soar as well. The global average rate for air cargo carried on both passenger and dedicated cargo flights currently is about 3.39 per kilogram, up 6% from January and 14% from a year earlier, according to Clive Data Services. But from Asia to US, rates have risen 24% over the past year, to $7.66 per kilogram. Children’s apparel manufacturer Carter’s recently said it is currently allocating “several years’ worth” of additional air freight spending in response to production delays in Asia. Wells Fargo Securities says many retailers will likely increase prices in the months ahead to compensate for the increase in shipping costs, both air and ocean, though VF says it will keep its prices steady until 2022.