-
Global container volumes in January are continuing to build on the strong performance seen in 2024, according to Container Trades Statistics
-
January 2025 volumes hit 15.4 million TEUs, a 5.8% increase year-on-year
-
It is worth noting that the first two months of last year experienced the lowest volumes of 2024, mostly due to Asian festivities
Global container volumes in January are continuing to build on the strong performance seen in 2024, according to Container Trades Statistics Ltd’s (CTS) latest press statement.
January 2025 global volumes hit 15.4 million TEUs, marking a 5.8% increase year-on-year. However, this represents a nearly 4% decline from the previous month, which saw volumes reach an impressive 16 million TEUs.
It is worth noting that the first two months of last year experienced the lowest volumes of 2024, mostly due to Asian festivities.
READ: Global container volumes post sharp rebound in 2024
At the start of 2025, all regions reported declines in volumes compared to December 2024. Still, year-on-year growth across the board remains positive, said CTS.
The biggest fall came from Sub-Sahara Africa, with imports dropping by 6%. This was mainly due to a cut in exports from Europe and the Far East.
After months of being on top, North America saw a slowdown in import growth, with year-on-year rise of 7.6%, while Europe posted double digit import growth of 13%, driven by strong exports from the Far East and Indian Sub-Continent and the Middle East Regions.
Month-on-month declines were also experienced by regional exports “although most regions still saw growth year-on-year,” said the report.
The exceptions were North America and Sub-Saharan Africa, which experienced year-on-year drops of 7.6% and 1.1%, respectively.
Compared to last year, exports from the Indian Sub-Continent and the Middle East, and the Far East surged by 12.4% and 8.3%, respectively.
The global price index fell by two points at the start of 2025, starting the year at 94 points. By comparison, the index was at 88 points in Jan. 2024, 107 points in 2023, and 204 points in Jan. 2022.
While January 2025 volumes may seem weaker on a month-on-month basis, the year-on-year data demonstrates a “strong and resilient start” to the year.
With numerous uncertainties on the horizon, however, the future of global trade remains uncertain, according to CTS.
After the disruptions caused by the pandemic, followed by weaker volumes in 2023 due to stockpiling in 2022, and the robust volumes seen in 2024 as warehoused stock was depleted, it’s clear that there is no definitive “normal.”
Despite this, the data continues to show positive signs of a steady and sturdy market, concludes the report.
