August 2026: Another Record Month for the CTS Database
Global Volumes Hit Another Record
August 2026 delivered yet another record month for global container trade, with monthly liftings reaching 17.46 million TEUs, surpassing the previous record set in July 2026.
Year-to-date volumes remain 4.7% higher than 2025 levels. In fact, throughout much of 2026, year-to-date growth has remained around 5% or higher, demonstrating the underlying strength of global container volumes despite considerable uncertainty.
Looking further back highlights the scale of this growth. August 2026 volumes were 3.7% higher than August 2025, 7.2% higher than August 2024 and 12.9% higher than August 2023. Despite the increasingly complex operating environment, global container trade continues to reach new highs.
Global Price Index Reaches Highest Level Since July 2024
The Global Price Index reached 117 points in August 2026, increasing by a further 2 points month on month.
Since January 2026, the index has risen by approximately 50%, reflecting the considerable pricing pressures that have developed since late February.
The last time the Global Price Index reached this level was July 2024, during the height of disruption surrounding the Red Sea. Further demonstrating how disruption to key shipping routes can quickly translate into pricing pressure as vessels are rerouted, capacity is affected and operating costs increase.
Global Imports: North America Continues Its Gradual Recovery
Global imports in August followed a similar pattern to previous months, with year to date growth recorded across every region except the Indian Sub-Continent & Middle East, where imports declined 5% compared with the same period in 2025.
Interestingly, North American imports are now up 2% year to date. Since May 2026, the region has experienced a gradual improvement following negative year to date growth earlier in the year.
This recovery has been supported by increased cargo originating from the Far East, with the Transpacific trade now 5% higher year to date. This represents a notable change from the weaker performance seen on the trade during earlier periods.
In percentage terms, Sub-Saharan Africa once again recorded the strongest import growth, up 13% for the same period. The region continues to experience broad-based growth across its major origin markets, with the Indian Sub-Continent & Middle East being the notable exception.
Global Exports: Far East Adds More Than 6 Million TEUs
Exports present a similar picture. The Indian Sub-Continent & Middle East was the only region to record a year to date decline, falling 10%, equivalent to just under 1 million fewer TEUs than during the same period in 2025. This highlights the scale of the disruption facing a region that would typically contribute strongly to global export growth.
The Far East once again led global export performance, with volumes up 8% year to date, equating to approximately 6.3 million additional TEUs. Every destination region for Far East cargo recorded growth, with Sub-Saharan Africa and South & Central America leading in percentage terms.
Meanwhile, European exports have returned to broadly neutral year-to-date growth. While 0% growth may initially appear unremarkable, it represents an improvement from the negative year to date figures recorded throughout the earlier months of 2026. This improvement has been supported by stable or increasing cargo flows across most destination regions.
Record Volumes, But Month on Month Slowdown
As we reflect on August 2026, one message remains clear: global container volumes continue to demonstrate considerable resilience. Despite concerns surrounding elevated fuel prices, disruption in the Gulf, Panama Canal constraints and evolving tariff conditions, monthly volumes have once again reached a record high.
However, the underlying pace of growth will be important to monitor. While absolute volumes remain exceptionally strong, reductions in month on month growth could begin to indicate whether momentum is slowing as the year progresses.
At the same time, the Global Price Index is now 44% higher than in August 2025, providing a much clearer indication of the pressures currently facing the shipping market. As we move towards the final quarter of 2026, the relationship between container volumes growth and elevated freight pricing will be one of the key trends to watch.
For a more detailed analysis of specific regional trades and to gain further insights into our findings, please contact us on sales@containertradesstatistics.com
Keep updated with CTS – your trusted source for global container trade statistics.
