Tariff turmoil and fleet glut cast shadow on box trade
- Global container volume growth forecast at 3% to 4% for 2025
- US imports expected to decline sharply in the second half of the year
- Newbuilding deliveries slowing but capacity still expected to grow due to falling congestion and limited ship recycling
- Risk of long-term overcapacity remains
Container shipping is expected to grow 3%-4% in 2025, but headwinds loom. US imports will likely drop in the second half of the year because of tariffs and weaker economic growth, while Europe and the Mediterranean offer bright spots. Overcapacity, Middle East tensions and supply-demand imbalance keep the sector’s outlook subdued
