Global container trade shows resilience

Worldwide container liftings reached 98.4 million teu during the first six months of the year, representing a 5.2% increase compared with the same period in 2025 and a 9.8% rise on H1 2024.

Although global volumes dipped by 1.7% in June, CTS said the decline reflected the month’s shorter calendar rather than weaker demand. Average daily liftings increased to around 570,000 teu in June, compared with 561,000 teu in May.

Container Trades Statistics said the figures demonstrated that the global market had ‘once again demonstrated remarkable resilience’ despite ongoing geopolitical and economic pressures.

Freight rates continued to strengthen during June, with the CTS Global Price Index rising 13 points to 108. Since the start of 2026, the index has climbed by 30 points, reflecting the impact of the Middle East crisis and broader challenges affecting the global shipping market.

Container Trades Statistics said the ‘largest increases were recorded on the major Far East trade lanes’, with services from the Far East to North America and Europe each increasing by more than 20 points month on month.

The Far East remained the world’s strongest export region, recording a 9% increase in exports, equivalent to around five million additional teu. Every import region receiving cargo from the Far East posted year-to-date growth, with Sub-Saharan Africa leading the way after imports surged by almost 30%.

Meanwhile, the Indian Sub-Continent and Middle East experienced an 8% decline in exports following disruption linked to the Gulf crisis, although shipments to South and Central America still rose by 4%.

Looking ahead, Container Trades Statistics said global volumes are now 18% higher than in the first half of 2023 and noted that ‘the Global Price Index may provide one of the clearest indicators of how the market responds as geopolitical events continue to unfold’ during the remainder of 2026.