Global container volumes are on the rise, with January 2025 recording 15.4 million TEUs, reflecting a 5.8% year-on-year (y-o-y) increase, according to Container Trade Statistics (CTS).
Alan Murphy, CEO of maritime consultancy Sea-Intelligence, noted that global TEU miles—which account for the nautical distance sailed—grew 8.1% y-o-y in January, absorbing more vessel capacity.
Key Growth Trends in Container Shipping
- Head-haul container trades saw significant growth in January, rising 12.9% y-o-y.
- TEU miles had surged over 20% throughout 2024, primarily due to container services rerouting around Africa to avoid the Red Sea crisis rather than an actual rise in demand.
- January 2025 provides a more accurate y-o-y comparison, as rerouting effects were already factored in the previous year. The 8.1% growth now reflects real, distance-adjusted container demand.
- Murphy cautioned that the timing of Chinese New Year (CNY) can affect January figures, requiring careful interpretation.
Container Market Utilization & Spot Rates
Market strength can also be evaluated through utilization rates, which help smooth out seasonal variations.
- Asia-Europe trade saw utilization drop in January, an unusual pattern since the decline typically occurs after CNY. This may explain the early drop in spot rates for this route.
- Asia-North America utilization strengthened in January, with spot rates holding firm longer compared to Asia-Europe, reinforcing the idea that lower utilization contributed to the early drop in Asia-Europe rates.
- Europe-North America utilization fell sharply in January, yet spot rates have not dropped significantly—at least not yet.
Looking Ahead
With strong container demand trends and continued shifts in global trade routes, the industry is expected to closely monitor utilization rates and freight pricing as 2025 progresses.
