Record Demand Levels For Ocean Container Traffic

A recent container trade statistics report has highlighted that global demand for ocean freight container traffic is now at record levels, and has surpassed the extreme levels that followed the onset of the coronavirus pandemic.

The report, which was shared by The Loadstar, revealed that in May a total of 15.94 million TEU (Twenty Foot Equivalent units) was shipped globally by ocean freight. This number topped the previous record of 15.72 million, which was during the height of post-pandemic demand.

Unsurprisingly, cargo originating from Asia featured strongly in the demand rise, with exports from China providing a record 6.2m teu in the month. This equates to a whopping 39% of overall global ocean freight trade.

The demand may be an indication of an early peak-season this year, as many experts have predicted, driven by retailers in particular. The onset of longer transit times, and a shortage of space and equipment, seems to have led to early orders to stay ahead of the busy sales periods of Black Friday and Christmas.

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