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Global container volumes increased 5.2% year on year to 98.4 million TEUs in the first half of 2026, underscoring the resilience of international trade amid geopolitical tensions and persistent economic uncertainty, according to the latest data from Container Trades Statistics Ltd
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June volumes fell 1.7% month on month, but average daily volumes increased to about 570,000 TEUs from 561,000 TEUs in May
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The Global Price Index rose 13 points to 108 in June and has gained 30 points since the start of the year
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Far East-North America and Far East-Europe freight rates posted the biggest monthly increases, both rising by more than 20 points
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Far East exports climbed 9%, adding about five million TEUs and leading growth among major exporting regions
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Sub-Saharan Africa posted the strongest import growth at 15% in the first half, while imports from the Far East to the region rose nearly 30%
Global container volumes increased 5.2% year-on-year to 98.4 million TEUs in the first half of 2026, underscoring the resilience of international trade despite geopolitical tensions and persistent economic uncertainty, according to the latest data and analysis by Container Trades Statistics (CTS) Ltd.
The first half volume was also 9.8% higher than the same period in 2024, as container demand remained firm across most major trade lanes.
Global liftings declined 1.7% in June from May. However, CTS said the month-on-month decline was largely attributable to June having 30 days compared with 31 in May.
On a daily basis, June volumes were stronger, averaging about 570,000 TEUs per day, compared with 561,000 TEUs in May, indicating that underlying demand remained robust.
Freight rates rise as Middle East pressure grows
Freight pricing, meanwhile, continued to respond to market disruptions. The Global Price Index rose 13 points to 108 in June, bringing its increase since the start of the year to 30 points.
CTS attributed the price movements to the Middle East crisis and broader challenges affecting the global shipping market, with demand pressure particularly evident in the Far East.
The largest increases were recorded on the major Far East trade lanes. Freight rates from the Far East to North America and Europe each increased by more than 20 points month on month.
Far East dominates, Middle East contracts
On the export side, all regions except Europe and the Indian Sub-Continent & Middle East recorded year-to-date growth compared with H1 2025.
The Far East remained the leading exporting region, with volumes increasing 9%, equivalent to about 5 million additional TEUs.
All major import regions receiving cargo from the Far East recorded growth during the first half. Sub-Saharan Africa posted the strongest increase, with imports from the Far East rising by nearly 30%. Even the Indian Sub-Continent & Middle East recorded a 2% increase in cargo from the Far East despite disruptions linked to the Gulf crisis.
At the broader regional level, however, exports from the Indian Sub-Continent & Middle East fell 8%, with the decline beginning in March following the onset of the crisis.
South and Central America was the only destination region to record growth in shipments from the Indian Sub-Continent & Middle East, with volumes rising 4% during the first half from a year earlier.
Sub-Saharan Africa leads imports; North America recovers
On the import side, all regions except the Indian Sub-Continent & Middle East posted year-to-date growth.
North American imports increased 1% in H1 2026, supported by a 4% rise in Far East-North America volumes. The recovery only started in May.
Sub-Saharan Africa again recorded the strongest import performance, with volumes increasing 15% during the first half. Growth was supported by higher cargo flows from the Far East, Europe, and North America.
The region has recorded double-digit year-to-date import growth every month so far in 2026, building on its strong performance in 2025.
H2 outlook: monitor the price index
Looking ahead, CTS said the global container market remains resilient despite geopolitical and economic disruptions.
Global volumes were 18% higher than the first half of 2023, equivalent to average annual growth of about 6% over the past three years. CTS estimated that the Middle East crisis has reduced global volume growth by around 2%, highlighting the underlying strength of demand.
Attention is expected to increasingly shift to freight pricing in the second half. The Global Price Index stood at 86 points in June 2025 and has since risen by more than 25% over the past 12 months.
CTS noted that freight prices typically respond to market disruptions faster than volume data, making the Global Price Index a key indicator of how the container shipping market could react as geopolitical conditions evolve.
READ: Global container volumes up 6.7%, freight rates by 8% in May – CTS report
