Global container traffic continues to climb, with throughput figures for 2025 setting new records and surpassing earlier forecasts, according to data from Container Trades Statistics (CTS).
This makes interesting reading for the U-Freight Group with our string presence in international container shipping, including LCL and FCL import and export operations, as the latest data shows that between January and August, global container volumes reached 126.75 million teu, marking a 4.4% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
August alone saw a new monthly record at 16.61 million teu, narrowly overtaking May’s 16.59 million. While the month-on-month growth was modest at 0.2%, it marked the fourth consecutive month where global trade exceeded the 16-million teu threshold — a clear sign of consistent market strength.
Regional import growth driven by emerging markets
Regional trade patterns show a broad-based upswing. Sub-Saharan Africa led the way with a 16.4% year-to-date import increase, reflecting growing infrastructure and manufacturing demand across the region. The Indian Subcontinent and Middle East followed with an 8.7% rise, while South and Central America saw imports climb 7.5%.
Europe also recorded healthy gains, up 7.3%, supported by stronger inbound flows from the Far East and the Indian Subcontinent. Only North America bucked the trend, slipping 0.5% after a brief rebound in July.
Export trends mirror import strength
Exports mirrored much of the import momentum. The Far East and the Indian Subcontinent & Middle East were the standout performers, posting increases of 6.4% and 5.9% respectively. North America again lagged, with exports falling 2.7%. European export activity remained flat, recording just a 0.1% rise year-to-date after a steep 6% drop in August.
Market rates ease despite record volumes
Despite the surge in trade, the CTS Global Price Index dropped three points in August to 81 — its third straight monthly decline. A year earlier, the index stood at 115, indicating that while demand remains robust, freight rates continue to soften as capacity keeps pace with cargo flows.
Industry analysts note that 2025 has so far outperformed early-year projections. Consecutive record-setting months and resilient regional performance underscore the strength of global container markets in regards to volumes, but not rates, pointing to one of the most active trading years on record.
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