International container transport volumes reached a document 17.46 million twenty-foot equal items in August, whereas freight pricing climbed to its highest degree in additional than two years, based on Container Trades Statistics.
August liftings surpassed the earlier document set in July and elevated 3.7% from August 2025. By way of the primary eight months of 2026, international volumes have been up 4.7% yr over yr, CTS mentioned in its Oct. 8 report.
The figures present continued development in container commerce regardless of elevated gas costs, disruption within the Arabian Gulf, Panama Canal constraints and altering tariff situations. August volumes have been 7.2% increased than in the identical month of 2024 and 12.9% above August 2023 ranges.
Freight pricing rises alongside volumes
CTS’ International Value Index rose two factors from July to 117 in August, its highest studying since July 2024, when Crimson Sea transport disruption was placing strain on charges. The index was roughly 50% above its January degree and 44% increased than in August 2025.
CTS mentioned the rise mirrored pricing pressures that had developed since late February, as disruptions to key transport routes have an effect on out there capability and working prices as vessels are rerouted.
North American imports recuperate
North American container imports have been up 2% by means of August in contrast with the identical interval final yr, extending a gradual restoration that started in Could after detrimental year-to-date development earlier in 2026.
Elevated cargo flows from Asia supported the restoration, with trans-Pacific commerce up 5% year-to-date. CTS described that efficiency as a notable enchancment from the commerce’s earlier weak spot amid tariff uncertainty and extreme typhoon-related congestion at originating ports.
Sub-Saharan Africa posted the strongest proportion development in imports, with volumes up 13% by means of August. Development got here from throughout its main origin markets, with the Indian Sub-Continent and Center East the notable exceptions.
The mixed Indian Sub-Continent and Center East area was the one area to document declining imports, down 5% yr up to now. It additionally was the one area with decrease exports, which fell 10%, representing just below 1 million fewer TEUs than within the first eight months of 2025.
Far East drives export development
Asia exports elevated 8% yr up to now, including roughly 6.3 million TEUs in contrast with the identical interval of 2025. Each vacation spot area recorded development in cargo originating within the Far East, with Sub-Saharan Africa and South and Central America main in proportion phrases.
European exports, in the meantime, returned to roughly flat year-to-date development after declines earlier within the yr. CTS attributed the development to steady or growing cargo flows throughout most vacation spot areas.
Regardless of the brand new quantity document, CTS cautioned slowing month-to-month development may sign a moderation in demand, making development and elevated charges a key situation heading into the ultimate quarter of 2026.
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