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Global container volumes hit more than 126.75 million TEUs in the first eight months of 2025, a 4.4% increase compared to the same period last year, according to Container Trades Statistics data
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Volume in August stood at 16.61 million TEUs, “the highest monthly volume ever in the CTS database,” surpassing the 16.59 million TEUs recorded in May 2025
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By region, import and export data showed growth except North America
Global container volumes hit more than 126.75 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in the first eight months of 2025, a 4.4% increase compared to the same period last year, according to Container Trades Statistics Ltd.’s (CTS) latest data.
Volume in August stood at 16.61 million TEUs, “the highest monthly volume ever in the CTS database,” surpassing the 16.59 million TEUs recorded in May 2025.
“While the month-on-month increase was modest at 0.2%, it highlights the consistently high level of global volumes in 2025. In fact, August marks the fourth consecutive month in which global volumes have exceeded 16 million TEUs,” CTS said in a press release.
By region, year-to-date (YTD) import data showed strong growth except North America.
Sub-Saharan Africa had the highest increase at 16.4%, followed by the Indian Sub-Continent and Middle East at 8.7%.
South and Central America posted a 7.5% hike, followed closely by Europe with a 7.3% increase, supported by imports from the Far East and the Indian Sub-Continent & Middle East, which were both up over 8.5% YTD.
North American imports, on the other hand, saw a 0.5% decline, which contrasted with July when the region had been up 1% YTD, indicating that August’s figures moderated the recent recovery.
Exports reflected a similar trend with all regions recording increases except North America,
which saw a 2.7% decline.
Six of the seven regions recorded YTD growth, although the gains were generally less pronounced than those in imports.
The Far East and Indian Sub-Continent and Middle East achieved the largest YTD export increases at 6.4% and 5.9%, respectively.
Europe’s exports, however, remained nearly flat, rising just 0.1% YTD, following a 6% month-on-month decline in August.
As volumes strengthened, the Global Price Index softened, falling by 3 points in August, standing at 81 points, continuing a steady decline since June 2025.
By comparison, the index was at 115 points at the same time last year, reflecting ongoing market adjustments despite strong volume performance.
Overall, global trade performance in the January to August period beat early expectations.
“Continuous record-breaking months and resilient trade patterns highlight the strength and adaptability of the global container market. 2025 is shaping up to be a far stronger year than initially predicted, underlining the market’s capacity to navigate challenges while sustaining growth,” CTS concluded.
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