- Total liftings reached 93.5 million TEUs in the first six months, up 4.5% year-on-year despite global uncertainties.
- Most regions recorded export and import growth, with Sub-Saharan Africa and Europe showing strong gains.
- Freight rates showed modest recovery in June, though still below last year’s levels.
The container shipping sector ended the first half of 2025 on a strong note, according to newly released June figures. Despite ongoing global uncertainties, total liftings reached 93.5 million TEUs in the first six months, marking a 4.5% rise compared to the previous year, according to Container News.
June’s volumes stood at 16.1 million TEUs, a 3.4% drop from May’s revised record of 16.5 million TEUs—still the highest level ever recorded in the CTS database. Although there was a slight month-on-month decline, the figures highlight a resilient market that continues to surpass earlier expectations.
Shifting Export Trends
Most regions reported positive export growth in the first half of the year, with the notable exception of North America, which experienced a 3% decline. This drop was primarily due to reduced exports from the Far East to the region. Conversely, exports from South and Central America, the Indian Subcontinent, the Middle East, and the Far East itself saw significant gains, with Far East exports up by 6%. Stronger trade with Africa, South America, and the Middle East drove much of this growth.
Broad-Based Import Expansion
Imports painted an even brighter picture, with every major region posting year-to-date increases. Sub-Saharan Africa led the way with a 14% rise, boosted by imports from both the Far East and North America—each up by more than 20%. Europe also performed strongly, importing over 18 million TEUs, making it the second-largest importer after the Far East.
Gradual Recovery in Freight Rates
The Global Price Index increased to 86 points in June, up 8 points from May. While still below June 2024’s level of 101, this improvement marks a positive turn. However, the index remains 8 points lower than in January 2025.
Outlook for the Rest of the Year
With three months already surpassing the 16 million TEU mark, 2025 is on track to match or even exceed last year’s performance. However, the introduction of new tariffs in the second half of the year could challenge this momentum. Whether the current strength can be maintained will depend on how these market factors unfold in the coming months.
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Source: Container News
