Imports climb, while export markets lag

According to the latest market analysis by Container Trade Statistics (CTS), global container volumes climbed 2.8% month-on-month to 16.3 million teu, surpassing the 16M threshold for the sixth time this year.

”As we enter the final quarter of 2025, it is safe to say that the year is on track to be a record-breaking one. However, while volumes remain strong, signs of weakening have appeared in several key trade indices, alongside a continued softening of the Global Price Index,” said Nigel Pusey, CEO, Container Trade Statistics (CTS).

“One thing is certain: 2025 has redefined expectations for global container volumes, and the months ahead will determine how this historic year concludes.”

Imports vs exports

October’s figures also mark a 2% year-on-year rise, pushing year-to-date growth to 4% above 2024 levels.

The strength in global container volumes continues to be underpinned by rising demand across developing markets. Sub-Saharan Africa leads year-to-date import growth at 16%, fuelled by strong shipping exports from the Far East, the Indian Sub-Continent & Middle East and notably North America.

The export picture presents a contrasting narrative though. Both North America and Europe have seen no year-to-date growth in exports.

While North America’s stagnation may come as little surprise, Europe’s widening trade imbalance is more striking. European imports are up by nearly 2 million teu for the year, whereas exports have grown by just 15,000 teu in 2025.

Europe’s exports to the Far East declined by approximately 8% year-to-date, and any regional increases in exports from Europe were minimal, suggesting subdued demand.

Europe and North America have recorded zero year-to-date export growth, underscoring widening trade imbalances, particularly in Europe, where imports have surged by nearly 2 million teu while shipping exports have edged up by just 15,000 teu. Europe’s exports to the Far East have fallen 8%, with only marginal gains elsewhere.

By contrast, the Far East remains the dominant export powerhouse, adding 5.2 million teu compared with 2024. The Indian Sub-Continent & Middle East also posted an impressive 8% rise, reflecting broad-based global demand.

As 2025 heads to an end and with the Global Price Index slipping to 73 points, the lowest its been this year, the analysts question how long the momentum in container shipping can last.