North America sees dip as global container imports and exports rise

Global data service Container Trade Statistics published its figures for August, which speak volumes of the good health enjoyed by the liner industry in 2025. Unfortunately, the upward trend is not uniform across all markets.  

During the first eight months of the year, global container volumes reached over 126.75 million TEUs, representing a 4.4 percent increase compared to the same period last year.

August continued this trend, recording 16.61 million TEUs, setting a handful of milestones for the industry. First, the eighth month of the year marks the fourth consecutive month in which global volumes have exceeded 16 million TEUs. Likewise, the figure surpasses May’s previous record of 16.59 million TEUs, marking the highest monthly volume ever recorded in the CTS database, which dates back to 2008.

Impressive regional imports

Year-to-date regional import data shows strong growth across all regions except North America.

Leading the way are Sub-Saharan Africa (up 16.4 percent), the Indian Sub-Continent & Middle East (up 8.7 percent), and South & Central America (up 7.5 percent), followed closely by Europe with a 7.3 percent increase. This figure is supported by imports from the Far East and the Indian Sub-Continent & Middle East, both regions up over 8.5 percent in 2025.

On the other hand, North American imports dropped 0.5 percent year-to-date. Back in July, the region had been up one percent year-to-date, indicating that August’s figures moderated the recent recovery.

Trends also reflect in exports

Regional exports tell a similar story across all markets, with upward trends observed globally, except in North America, which fell 2.7 percent.

While six of the seven regions recorded year-to-date growth, gains were generally less pronounced than those seen in imports. To date, the Far East and Indian Sub-Continent & Middle East are the big winners of the export game, as they've experienced the most significant year-to-date export upticks—6.4 percent and 5.9 percent, respectively.

Europe’s exports remained nearly unchanged, rising just 0.1 percent year-to-date, following a six percent month-on-month decline in August.

Global Price Index softens, while hopes go up

The Global Price Index fell by three points in August, standing at 81 points and 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.

The Container Trade Statistics report for August is clear: 2025 is outperforming early expectations, which were shaped by the uncertainty brought on by the ever-changing US trade policy. 

Continuous record-breaking months and resilient trade patterns highlight the strength and adaptability of the global container market. This outcome is providing high hopes for the industry and signals a 2025 that is far stronger than initially predicted.

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