In 2024, global container ports demonstrated remarkable resilience amid geopolitical instability and shifting trade dynamics. Lloyd’s List One Hundred Ports reported a combined throughput of 743.6m teu, marking an 8.1% increase from the previous year and reversing the stagnation of recent years.
Asia maintained its dominant position, with Chinese ports alone accounting for more than 40% of global container traffic.
North American terminals, particularly along the US East, West and Gulf coasts, experienced notable growth, driven by robust consumer demand and strategic inventory restocking in response to rising trade tensions with China.
European ports also posted gains despite ongoing uncertainty, including the conflict in Ukraine. Emerging markets such as India, Vietnam and Türkiye capitalised on supply chain realignments and regional trade agreements.
Overall, 2024 marked a pivotal shift in container logistics, where adaptability and strategic recalibration became essential in navigating an increasingly unpredictable trade environment.
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Resilient ports anchor trade amid the turbulence
In a year defined by disruption, the world’s leading container ports defied expectations — transforming volatility into opportunity to post their strongest growth in nearly a decade
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From boom to breather: port throughput braces for second-half slowdown
Global container port growth is set to decelerate sharply during the second half of 2025 and into 2026, as frontloaded cargo volumes and rising US tariffs weigh on demand, but a slowdown could offer congested ports a much-needed reprieve
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Bearish vs benign scenarios for container shipping in 2026
After faring better than expected in 2025, container lines face a wide range of financial outcomes next year amid sweeping changes to the system of global trade
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US ports: So far so good, but tariff fallout ‘lag’ is ending
Counterintuitively, US imports have risen amid skyrocketing tariff costs. Volumes in July reached peaks seen only once before, during the Covid pandemic boom. However, the upside for US ports looks like it has run its course
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Port call data reveals China’s trade pivot as tariffs turbocharge rerouting
Geopolitics and tariffs are driving a surge in China’s direct port calls to emerging economies, highlighted by Southeast Asia and Africa, while US imports from China fall, signalling major shifts and new complexities in global trade flows
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