- Far East to Europe Route Posts Highest-Ever Export Volume.
- North America, South America See Export Declines in May.
- Imports Show Steady Growth, Led by Europe and Africa.
According to Container Trades Statistics (CTS), global container shipping volumes reached a new high in May 2025, hitting 16.34 million TEUs. This surpassed the previous record of 16.31 million TEUs set in March 2025. This represents a 4.9% increase from April 2025 and a 1.8% rise compared to May 2024. While May is usually a strong month for shipping, this new record is surprising, especially given the ongoing economic uncertainty and tariff changes, reports Safety4Sea.
Global Exports: Far East Drives Growth
Exports in May 2025 showed a mixed but generally positive performance across different regions compared to May 2024. The Far East was the standout performer, boasting a 3% year-on-year increase, with the route from the Far East to Europe achieving its highest monthly volume ever. This surge indicates that Europe is compensating for the drop in cargo flows to North America. When comparing May to April 2025, most regions experienced growth, with a couple of exceptions:
- North America: Down 9.2%
- South & Central America: Down 3.5%
These declines are attributed to a decrease in cargo shipments to the Far East, Europe, and other major destinations.
Global Imports: Steady Strength and Regional Growth
Import volumes have either held steady or increased from April to May 2025. So far this year, all import regions are showing positive performance. In North America, there’s been a 2% growth year-to-date, even though May saw a 9% drop compared to last year. Here’s a look at the strongest growth compared to May 2024:
- Europe: +10%
- Indian Sub-Continent & Middle East: +9%
- Sub-Saharan Africa: +9%
Global Price Index: Stable Yet Lower Than Previous Years
The global price index remained stable at 78 points in May 2025.
This figure is 12% lower than it was in May 2024 and a significant 61% lower than in May 2022, when demand was soaring due to the pandemic. The most notable month-on-month change was seen on the route from the Far East to North America, highlighting some pricing fluctuations in that area.
2025 Outlook: Shifting Patterns and Regional Momentum
CTS observes that global trade patterns are continuing to shift as we move through 2025. Despite ongoing uncertainties, some smaller markets, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, have demonstrated resilience and impressive growth.
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Source: Safety4Sea
