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Global container volumes hit 17.35 million TEUs in May 2026, up 6.7% from 16.2 million TEUs in April, according to the latest data from Container Trades Statistics Ltd
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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
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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
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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
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For imports, only the Indian Sub-Continent & Middle East decreased while North America returned to growth since July 2025
Global container volumes reached 17.35 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in May 2026, up 6.7% from 16.2 million TEUs in April — keeping May’s historical standing as one of the strongest months of the year for the industry, even as the fallout from the Middle East crisis continues to reshape trade flows and push freight rates higher, according to Container Trades Statistics Ltd. (CTS).
The May performance, driven by seasonal inventory replenishment activity, reflects the resilience of international trade despite mounting geopolitical disruption, CTS noted.
Freight rates continued their upward march, with the Global Price Index rising a further 8% month-on-month to 95 points in May, following a 12% surge to 89 points in April from 79 points in March. Since the Gulf crisis began at the end of February, the Global Price Index has climbed approximately 25% in total — a sustained increase that underlines the direct and immediate impact of Strait of Hormuz disruptions on the cost of moving goods globally.
READ: Global container volumes rise 4%, rates spike in April
On the export side, most regions posted year-to-date growth, with only two recording declines: the Indian Sub-Continent & Middle East and Europe, down 8% and 1% respectively — both a direct consequence of the disruption to trade between these two regions caused by the Strait of Hormuz closures.
Elsewhere, the picture is more encouraging. North American exports continued to recover, supported by increased cargo moving into the Far East — marking the second consecutive month of growth on this trade lane after months of weakness driven by tariff uncertainty. Sub-Saharan Africa also continued to build momentum, with exports up 8% year to date, driven by increased cargo flows into the Far East, Europe, and the Indian Sub-Continent & Middle East.
On the import side, every region except the Indian Sub-Continent & Middle East recorded year-to-date growth. 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 up 1%, while Transpacific trade surged over 20% year-on-year, potentially marking a turning point following months of subdued performance.
Far East maintains dominance
The Far East continues to consolidate its position as the engine of global trade, with imports now 7% higher than the same period in 2025, representing approximately two million additional TEUs, fueled primarily by strong intra-Asia trade and recovering North American cargo flows.
Sub-Saharan Africa again led all regions in import growth, rising 16% year to date, with cargo from the Far East — up nearly 30% and now accounting for more than half of all imports into the region — the principal driver.
As the first half of 2026 draws to a close, CTS said attention will increasingly turn to how long freight rates continue to rise and when the Global Price Index may begin returning toward pre-crisis levels.
