Container Trades Statistics (CTS) data shows that global container shipments hit a new record in July, reaching 17.3 million TEU, about 25,000 TEU higher than the previous record set in May. In the first seven months of 2026, global container throughput reached 115.8 million TEU, up 5.1% year on year.

Specifically, CTS said, “July was not a one-off standout month. In the first seven months of 2026, global container trade volume increased by 5.1% compared with the same period in 2025, while in July 2026 it increased by 4.5% year on year.”

CTS noted, “Although the market has experienced considerable disruption, the strength of global container trade remains evident as volumes continue to reach unprecedented levels.”

Sub-Saharan Africa once again stood out for growth, with imports rising 14% in the first seven months of 2026, while Europe grew 6.1% over the same period.

However, one of the more puzzling trends in recent weeks has been that, despite relatively weak demand, trans-Pacific spot rates continue to show sustained strength—North America’s imports from the Far East in July were 2.23 million TEU, up 4.2% year on year, while June volumes were very flat, only 0.7% higher than in June 2025.

Peter Sand, chief analyst at Xeneta, said, “Since the outbreak of the Middle East conflict in February, average spot rates from the Far East to the US East Coast have continued to rise, and have increased by another 25% since early July.”

He noted, “Spot rates are now only 14% below the pandemic peak. We are unlikely to see the market exceed the pandemic peak, but it cannot be ruled out; in fact, it shows just how unusual the situation is.”

In addition, some analysts pointed out that the recent strength in trans-Pacific spot rates is largely the result of prudent capacity management by liner companies, including more than 4 million TEU of capacity still constrained by port congestion, while Panama Canal restrictions have also helped drive spot rates higher, rather than a significant increase in consumer demand.