World container volumes post record 17.3 million TEUs in July

Global container throughput soared to a record 17.3 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in July 2026, a nearly 25,000 TEU increase compared to the previous peak in May 2026, according to revised data from Container Trade Statistics (CTS). Year-to-date global volumes rose 5.1% year-to-date, while July alone marked a 4.5% year-over-year surge.

Freight rates hit two-year highs, with the CTS Global Price Index climbing to 115 points in July 2026—7 points higher than the previous month and a 47% year-over-year jump since January 2026. The index has been on a steep upward trajectory since February 2026, coinciding with the onset of the Iran war. While all major regions recorded year-to-date import growth through July 2026, the Indian Sub-Continent & Middle East experienced a 4.2% decline.

Sub-Saharan Africa, however, saw the strongest growth at 14%, propelled by Asia-origin cargo adding nearly 700,000 TEUs compared to 2025. Imports from North America to Sub-Saharan Africa also rose almost 15% year-to-date. Europe's imports grew 6.1% year-to-date, driven by increased demand for Chinese-manufactured vehicles, with Far East cargo contributing an additional 1.5 million TEUs.

Export patterns underscore the centrality of the Far East, with Asia posting the strongest export growth at nearly 9% year-to-date, or about 6 million additional TEUs. Europe's exports declined by 0.7%, while the Indian Sub-Continent & Middle East saw the largest year-over-year decline at 8.5%.