Global Container Volumes Hit Record in August as Freight Rates Climb to Two-Year High
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Global container volume reached a record 17.46 million TEUs in August 2026, according to the report released by Container Trades Statistics (CTS) on October 8, representing a 3.7% increase compared to August 2025. Lloyd's List put the same figure at 17.5 million TEU. At the same time, freight rates climbed to their highest level in more than two years.
Rate index hits a peak
The CTS Global Price Index rose to 117 points in August, its highest reading since July 2024, when disruptions in the Red Sea were pushing up rates. The figure stood roughly 50% above the January level and 44% higher than in August 2025, amid vessel rerouting and rising operating costs.
Growth despite multiple disruptions
The new record came despite high fuel prices, disruption in the Arabian Gulf, capacity restrictions in the Panama Canal and shifting tariff conditions. August volumes were also 7.2% higher than in August 2024 and 12.9% higher than in August 2023, while cumulative growth over the first eight months of 2026 reached 4.7% year-on-year.
Asia and North America drive the increase
North American imports grew 2% so far in 2026, underpinned by transpacific trade, which advanced 5% on higher cargo volumes from the Far East. Sub-Saharan Africa posted the largest percentage increase in imports, at 13%. On the export side, Asia led with an 8% year-on-year increase, equivalent to about 6.3 million additional TEUs, while Europe returned to near-flat growth after declines earlier in the year.
Declines in the Indian Subcontinent and Middle East
The combined Indian Subcontinent and Middle East region was the only one to post declines: imports fell 5% for the year and exports dropped 10%, equivalent to nearly one million fewer TEUs than in the first eight months of 2025.
Signs of a slowdown toward year-end
Despite the new record, Lloyd's List noted that month-on-month growth slowed to just 0.5% compared with July, with weaker demand toward Europe and persistent disruptions in the Middle East that may be eroding the market's exceptional momentum in 2026. CTS likewise warned that the month-on-month slowdown could signal a moderation in demand, making the combination of growth and elevated rates a key theme heading into the final quarter of the year.
