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Global container volumes rose to 15.04 million twenty-foot equivalent units in February 2026, defying the typical seasonal slowdown linked to the Chinese New Year and recording significantly stronger figures than over the past five years, according to Container Trades Statistics Ltd.
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Year-to-date growth stands at 8%, double the pace recorded at the same stage in 2025
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Month-on-month volumes declined 6.5%, smaller than the 13% drop between January and February 2025
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Global Price Index fell 4 points to 74, returning to October 2025 levels (vs. 84 in February 2025), suggesting possible overcapacity as prices soften while volumes stay elevated
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North America remains the weakest region: exports at just over 1.1 million TEUs, the lowest since January 2025; imports at 2.6 million TEUs — the lowest since February 2024, though up 4.8% year-on-year
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Global trade appears to be rebalancing away from North America toward other regions
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CTS notes that February data predates the full impact of current Middle East crisis; Q1 2026 results will provide a clearer picture of trade performance under external pressures
Global container volumes rose to 15.04 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in February 2026, defying the typical seasonal slowdown linked to the Chinese New Year and recording significantly stronger figures than over the past five years, according to Container Trades Statistics Ltd. (CTS).
Latest data from CTS shows year-to-date volume growth running at 8%, double the pace recorded at the same point in 2025. The typical Chinese New Year-driven seasonal pullback did occur; month-on-month volumes declined 6.5%, but the drop was far shallower than the 13% contraction seen between January and February 2025.
Meanwhile, the Global Price Index fell by four points to 74, returning to levels last seen in October 2025. The index stood at 84 in February 2025, indicating continued softening in freight rates. This divergence, declining prices alongside elevated volumes, may signal excess capacity in the market.
North America: Still the weak spot
North America stands out as the clearest drag on global volume momentum. Exports from the region totaled just over 1.1 million TEUs in February, the lowest since January 2025.
Imports into North America totaled 2.6 million TEUs, the weakest since February 2024. While this represented a modest 4.8% increase compared with February 2025, it remains one of the few positive indicators for the region so far this year.
European exports experienced a notable 18% month-on-month increase in February, with no trade lane showing a decline. Exports to Australasia and Oceania, Sub-Saharan Africa, and within Europe all grew by over 5%. This widespread rise indicates real demand rather than a routing anomaly.
Despite the monthly strength, however, European exports remain 3.4% below year-to-date levels from 2025, indicating that the post-Christmas demand correction has been more pronounced in 2026 than in prior years.
The Far East, the Indian Sub-Continent, and the Middle East were the only regions to register month-on-month export declines across the board, falling by 12.9% and 8.1%, respectively, largely due to seasonal and timing factors.
Nevertheless, both regions maintained strong overall performance. The Far East recorded growth of 18.8% year on year and 11.4% year to date, while the Indian Sub-Continent and the Middle East posted increases of 8.3% year on year and 9.6% year to date, respectively.
This strength has been supported by rising cargo flows into Sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting the growing importance of emerging trade corridors in sustaining global demand.
Imports
On the import side, all regions registered year-on-year growth, with Sub-Saharan Africa standing out as the fastest-growing market. Imports into the region surged 33% year on year and 22% year to date, driven by increased shipments from the Far East and the Indian Sub-Continent and Middle East, which rose by more than 60% and 25%, respectively.
Europe also posted robust import growth, rising 21% year on year and 12% year to date, despite a slight 3.8% month-on-month decline. The increase was largely fueled by accelerating exports from the Far East, with this trade lane alone growing by over 45% year on year.
As the first quarter draws to a close, analysts noted that February’s strong performance reflects conditions prior to the full impact of ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East.
As North America numbers contract while growth shifts to Asia, Africa, and Europe, global trade is experiencing a fundamental rebalancing, according to CTS. Whether this redistribution will last or be overshadowed by the fast-changing geopolitical landscape is the key question for the rest of 2026, it added.
READ: Global container trade starts 2026 strong with 4% rise in Jan
