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Global Container Volumes Hit Record as Freight Rates Surge Past Two-Year High

Global container shipping reached 17.46 million twenty-foot equivalent units in August, surpassing July's previous record and marking the strongest month of 2026. Year-to-date volumes through August rose 4% compared with 2024, demonstrating resilience amid operational headwinds including fuel costs and regional disruptions. Container freight pricing climbed to 117 on the Global Price Index in August, its highest level since July 2024. The index stands 50% above January levels and 44% higher than August 2025, reflecting capacity constraints and increased operating expenses as vessels navigate rerouted shipping lanes. North American imports recovered 2% through August, with trans-Pacific trade up 5% year-to-date after earlier weakness from tariff uncertainty. Asia led export growth at 8% year-to-date, adding 6.3 million TEUs. Sub-Saharan Africa recorded the strongest import growth at 13%, while the Indian Sub-Continent and Middle East region declined 5% in imports.