Asia-Europe Container Volumes Reach Record High

According to the Japan International Freight Forwarders Association (JIFFA), container exports from Asia to Europe surged by 16% year-on-year in May, reaching 1.81 million TEUs. This marks the third consecutive month of growth and the highest monthly total ever recorded, as reported by the Japan Maritime Center.

From January through May, total exports increased by 10.5%, amounting to 7.95 million TEUs. The growth was observed across all regions. Exports from China and Hong Kong rose by 15.7% to 1.43 million TEUs. North Asia experienced an 11.6% increase, while Southeast Asia saw a remarkable surge of 21.8%.

On the destination side, exports to Northern Europe led the way, rising by 17.6% to 1.13 million TEUs. Shipments to the Eastern Mediterranean climbed by 14.2%, and to the Western Mediterranean, by 12.9%.

Conversely, imports from Europe to Asia continued to decline, falling by 10.3% in May to 485,831 TEUs, marking the ninth consecutive month of decrease. Northern Europe sent 331,930 TEUs, down by 9.3%. Imports from the Western Mediterranean dropped by 16.6%, while shipments from the Eastern Mediterranean slipped by 8.3%.

China imported 230,334 TEUs, a decline of 11%. Imports to Southeast Asia fell by 15.1%, and Northeast Asia saw a slight drop of 2.9%. The global freight forwarder WFH SG GROUP noted these trends, highlighting the shifting dynamics in international trade.