May 2025
Record-Breaking Month for Global Volumes Despite Uncertainties
As we approach the halfway point of 2025, global volumes have once again broken records, with May 2025 lifting a staggering 16.34 million TEUs—surpassing the previous record of 16.31 million TEUs set in March 2025. This marks a 4.9% increase from April 2025, which had seen a slight drop from March, and a 1.8% rise compared to May 2024. While May is traditionally a strong month for volumes, the continued economic uncertainties and tariff changes make this new record particularly surprising, defying earlier predictions of a volume decline.
Global Exports: A Mixed but Strong Performance
In terms of global exports, May 2025 saw most regions maintaining steady performance compared to May 2024. The Far East experienced the largest year-on-year increase, up by 3%. Notably, the Far East to Europe route recorded its highest-ever lifting in May 2025, suggesting that Europe is compensating for the reduced cargo flow to North America. When comparing exports against April 2025, most regions saw an increase, with the exception of North America and South & Central America, which experienced declines of 9.2% and 3.5%, respectively. These reductions can be attributed to less cargo being shipped to the Far East, Europe, and other regions.
Global Imports: Stability and Growth
On the import side, volumes remained steady or showed growth from April to May 2025. Year-to-date (YTD), all import regions are demonstrating strength, with North America even seeing a 2% increase YTD, despite a 9% year-on-year decline in May. The regions showing the strongest growth compared to May 2024 include Sub-Saharan Africa (+19%), Europe (+10%), and Indian Sub-Continent & Middle East (+9%).
Global Price Index: Holding Steady
The global price index for May 2025 remained steady at 78 points, which is 12% lower than in May 2024 and 61% lower than May 2022, during the height of the pandemic. The largest month-on-month change in the price index was seen in the Far East to North America trade lane, which experienced the most significant shift between April and May 2025. (For full access to trade indexes, please contact sales at sales@containertradesstatistics.com).
2025 So Far: Trends and Uncertainties
As we move further into 2025, global trade patterns continue to evolve. Despite economic uncertainties, certain “smaller” trades, such as those in Sub-Saharan Africa, have seen significant growth, with imports up 19% year-to-date. Global volumes are continuing the upward trend witnessed in 2024, with a 4.3% increase over the first five months of 2024.
However, the key question remains: When will volumes begin to decline due to the ongoing economic shifts, and what impact will tariffs have on global trade? As we monitor these developments, it’s clear that the landscape of global trade continues to shift in unexpected ways.
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