-
Global container volumes hit 35 million TEUs in May 2026, up by about 6.7% from 16.2 million TEUs in April, according to the latest data from Container Trades Statistics Ltd.
-
May performance keeps a historical trend for the month one of the strongest of the year for the industry despite the impact of the Middle East crisis
-
Freight rates also continue to climb with the Global Price Index up by a further 8% month on month, reaching 95 points in May, reflecting the impact of the Strait of Hormuz closures
-
On exports, only the Indian Sub-Continent & Middle East and Europe declined, both a direct result of the trade between these two regions, also reflecting the Hormuz impact
-
For imports, only the Indian Sub-Continent & Middle East decreased while North America returned to growth since July 2025
Global container volumes hit 17.35 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in May 2026, up by about 6.7% from 16.2 million TEUs in April, keeping a historical trend of May as one of the strongest months of the year for the industry despite the impact of the Middle East crisis, according to the latest data from Container Trades Statistics Ltd (CTS).
The performance in May, when businesses usually start inventory replenishment, reflects the resilience of international trade despite geopolitical disruptions, CTS noted.
Freight rates also continue to climb with the Global Price Index up by a further 8% month on month, reaching 95 points in May. The index surged more than 12% to 89 points in April from 79 points in March.
READ: Global container volumes rise 4%, rates spike in April
Since the Gulf crisis began at the end of February, the Global Price Index has increased by approximately 25%, underlining the immediate impact the Strait of Hormuz disruption has had on freight rates.
This sustained increase in the Global Price Index exhibits the additional costs of operating under a disrupted trade environment.
On exports, only two regions recorded year-to-date declines compared with 2025: Indian Sub-Continent & Middle East and Europe, down 8% and 1%, respectively, both a direct result of the trade between these two regions, reflecting the disruption caused by the Strait of Hormuz closures.
Elsewhere, signs are encouraging. North American exports have continued to recover, supported by increased cargo moving into the Far East. This marks the second consecutive month of growth on this trade lane following the slowdown last year caused by tariffs and economic uncertainty.
Meanwhile, Sub-Saharan Africa continues to build momentum, with exports up 8% year to date. Growth has been driven by increased cargo flows into the Far East, Europe, and the Indian Sub-Continent & Middle East.
For imports, every region, except for the Indian Sub-Continent & Middle East, recorded year-to-date growth.
Far East maintains dominance
North America notably returned to positive year-to-date growth for the first time in 2026, and for the first time since July 2025, with imports increasing by 1%. However, the Transpacific trade is up over 20% year on year. Potentially marking a turning point for this trade region following months of weaker performance.
The Far East, meanwhile, continues to strengthen its position as the powerhouse of global trade with imports now 7% higher than the same period in 2025, representing about two million additional TEUs. This growth has been fueled primarily by strong intra-Asia trade and recovering cargo flows from North America.
Sub-Saharan Africa again leads all regions in percentage import growth, rising 16% year to date. Cargo originating from the Far East remains the principal driver, with this trade increasing by nearly 30 and now accounting for more than half of all imports into the region.
“As we approach the final month of the first half of 2026, attention will turn to how long freight rates continue to rise and, ultimately, when the Global Price Index may begin returning towards pre-crisis levels,” CTS said.
