Global container shipping volumes reached a record 17.46 million twenty-foot equivalent units in August, while freight pricing climbed to its highest level in more than two years, according to Container Trades Statistics.
August liftings surpassed the previous record set in July and increased 3.7% from August 2025. Through the first eight months of 2026, global volumes were up 4.7% year over year, CTS said in its Oct. 8 report.
The figures show continued growth in container trade despite elevated fuel prices, disruption in the Arabian Gulf, Panama Canal constraints and changing tariff conditions. August volumes were 7.2% higher than in the same month of 2024 and 12.9% above August 2023 levels.
Freight pricing rises alongside volumes
CTS' Global Price Index rose two points from July to 117 in August, its highest reading since July 2024, when Red Sea shipping disruption was putting pressure on rates. The index was approximately 50% above its January level and 44% higher than in August 2025.
CTS said the increase reflected pricing pressures that had developed since late February, as disruptions to key shipping routes affect available capacity and operating costs as vessels are rerouted.
North American imports recover
North American container imports were up 2% through August compared with the same period last year, extending a gradual recovery that began in May after negative year-to-date growth earlier in 2026.
Increased cargo flows from Asia supported the recovery, with trans-Pacific trade up 5% year-to-date. CTS described that performance as a notable improvement from the trade's earlier weakness amid tariff uncertainty and severe typhoon-related congestion at originating ports.
Sub-Saharan Africa posted the strongest percentage growth in imports, with volumes up 13% through August. Growth came from across its major origin markets, with the Indian Sub-Continent and Middle East the notable exceptions.
The combined Indian Sub-Continent and Middle East region was the only region to record declining imports, down 5% year to date. It also was the only region with lower exports, which fell 10%, representing just under 1 million fewer TEUs than in the first eight months of 2025.
Far East drives export growth
Asia exports increased 8% year to date, adding approximately 6.3 million TEUs compared with the same period of 2025. Every destination region recorded growth in cargo originating in the Far East, with Sub-Saharan Africa and South and Central America leading in percentage terms.
European exports, meanwhile, returned to roughly flat year-to-date growth after declines earlier in the year. CTS attributed the improvement to stable or increasing cargo flows across most destination regions.
Despite the new volume record, CTS cautioned slowing month-to-month growth could signal a moderation in demand, making growth and elevated rates a key issue heading into the final quarter of 2026.
Source: FreightWaves
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