Are global container volumes falling?

The Port of Liverpool, UK has recently announced a redundancy programme after volumes fell 12% in the first half of 2023 on top of a 7% decrease in 2022. 

Oakland handled 135,253 teu in August 2023, a fall of 13.1% compared with the same month in 2022. However, the port points to unseasonably high volumes last year, arguing that the comparison may be unrealistic.

“While August’s container volumes might not be where we want them to be, there are indicators that point to a bright future for the seaport,” said Port of Oakland maritime director Bryan Brandes.

“Improved port operations, coupled with our on-going investment in greening the port, will provide on-going benefits to importers and exporters.”

Vessel calls have continued to grow throughout 2023 to 650 at the end of August, a rise of 13% over August 2022.

Full imports dropped 17.5%, with 72,481 teu moving through port terminals, versus 87,844 teu in August 2022, primarily owing to lower consumer demand. Full exports shrunk by 7.5%, with 62,733 teu compared to 67,838 teu in August 2022, which the port is attributing to a decline in the export of recyclable materials for processing.

Empty imports were down by 11.1%, moving 13,329 teu in August 2023, compared to 11,998 teu in August, 2022, while empty exports declined 29.6%, registering 30,579 teu in August 2023, down from 43,443 teu in August 2022.