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A total of 183.2 million TEUs of containers were traded worldwide in 2024, up 6% from the previous calendar year, according to Container Trades Statistics (CTS). On a monthly basis, volumes surpassed 16 million TEUs in three months—i.e., in May, August and December, the first such accomplishment in history. “This impressive achievement contrasts sharply with the relatively flatter year seen in 2023, which was impacted by the post-COVID rush and stockpiling in 2022,” CTS said.
North America demonstrated the most significant growth in imports, which increased 12% year on year. Although still in third place for regional imports, North America is rapidly closing the gap with Europe, which held the second position. Imports from the Far East were up 14%, with Los Angeles continuing to be a primary port, handling over 90% of cargo from the region.
Far East exports were the highest-performing sector, increasing 8% from 2023 and 10% from 2022. The Far East accounted for an impressive 61% of the global export mix, up from 59% in 2023. “This growth was particularly notable in dry goods, though reefer volumes also showed strong performance, being the second largest reefer exporter after South and Central America, which continues as the largest transporter of refrigerated cargo,” said CTS. “The region’s export growth to North America remains dominant, Europe and the Indian subcontinent and the Middle East exports from this region have shown significant increases. Europe saw a 9% rise from 2023, while the Indian subcontinent and the Middle East increased by 12% year on year and 35% compared to 2022.”
“While Australasia and Oceania exports generally lag behind other regions due to their geographical size and location, 2024 saw remarkable growth in exports to the Indian subcontinent and the Middle East. This trade lane grew an impressive 34% compared to 2023 and 58% compared to 2022. The majority of this growth is attributed to India, where imports more than doubled from 2022 to 2024,” CTS reported.
