Ports

Container Shipping Sets New Monthly Volume Record in July

Global container volumes reached an all-time high in July 2026, with 17.3 million teu shipped across the month. This surpassed the previous record set in May by approximately 25,000 teu. Year-to-date container movements climbed 1% compared to the same period last year, while July volumes themselves jumped 4% versus July 2025. Sub-Saharan Africa led regional growth with year-to-date imports up 14%, followed by Europe at 6%. The transpacific corridor displayed unexpected strength despite modest North American import growth of 2.2% in July, with the Far East-North America price index surging 46% during the month. Spot rates from the Far East to the US east coast have climbed 25% since early July, now sitting within 14% of the January 2022 Covid-era peak.