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12 clusters · 32 sources · 62 days · First seen · Last updated

Global and US container shipping volume trends

Overview

Global container shipping volumes reached a new record of 17.46 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in August 2026, surpassing the previous high set in July. Year-to-date volumes have increased by 4.7% compared to 2025, with Far East export growth leading at 8%. Freight costs have also risen, with the CTS Global Price Index reaching 117 points in August, marking a roughly 50% increase since January 2026 and the highest level since July 2024. Reported headwinds include high fuel prices, disruptions in the Gulf, Panama Canal issues, and changing tariffs.

In the United States, major West Coast ports reported historic activity in September 2026. The Port of Los Angeles handled 1,042,652 TEUs, its busiest month in 118 years, driven by resilient consumer demand and inventory replenishment. Similarly, the Port of Long Beach set an all-time monthly cargo record by processing 997,177 TEUs, a 25% increase over the previous year. CEO Noel Hacegaba attributed the Long Beach surge to high diesel prices, Panama Canal access restrictions, and the potential for a new U.S.-China trade agreement. Nationally, total U.S. container imports reached a record 2.55 million TEUs in September.

In China, the Port of Shanghai achieved a historic monthly record in September 2026, handling 5.135 million TEUs, a 6.2% increase over September 2025. This growth occurred despite operational disruptions from three consecutive typhoons. Following these disturbances, the Mingdong terminal set a new operational record by handling 30,056 TEUs within a single 24-hour period. Year-to-date throughput for Shanghai through September stands at approximately 42.83 million TEUs, a 3.1% rise over the previous year.

Entities

Gene Seroka · Port of Los Angeles · Port of Long Beach · Retail Industry Leaders Association · Port of Los Angeles

Timeline

  1. [BUSINESS] 8 sources
    Southern California ports set all-time cargo records in September

    The Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach both achieved historic cargo throughput records in September, driven by shifting trade flows and increased consumer demand.

  2. [BUSINESS] 4 sources
    Port of Long Beach sets all-time monthly cargo record

    The Port of Long Beach achieved a record 997,177 TEUs in September, a 25% year-over-year increase driven by cost-saving strategies and Panama Canal restrictions.

  3. [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    Port of Shanghai hits record monthly container throughput

    The Port of Shanghai set a new monthly record in September 2026 with 5.135 million TEUs, growing 6.2% year-on-year despite disruptions caused by three typhoons.

  4. [BUSINESS] 6 sources
    Global container shipping volumes hit record high in August 2026

    Global container shipping hit a record 17.46 million TEUs in August 2026, while the Port of Los Angeles recorded its busiest month in 118 years in September.

  5. [BUSINESS] 5 sources
    U.S. container imports hit record volumes in September

    U.S. container imports reached record levels in September, driven by holiday goods and AI equipment, with the Port of Los Angeles setting a new monthly volume record.

  6. [BUSINESS] 3 sources
    Port of Long Beach reports record August cargo volumes

    The Port of Long Beach achieved record August cargo volumes, driven by tariff-related frontloading and Panama Canal restrictions, while prioritizing rail expansion to support growing trade with Southeast Asia.

  7. [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    Southern California ports face shifting trade flows and cyber threats

    Southern California ports report record August volumes and shifting trade flows toward Southeast Asia, while the Port of Los Angeles successfully blocked over 120 million cyberattack attempts.

  8. [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    Port of Los Angeles sets record for three-month cargo volume

    The Port of Los Angeles recorded its highest three-month cargo volume in history, processing over 2.9 million TEUs during the summer due to strong consumer demand and early holiday inventory shipments.

  9. [BUSINESS] 4 sources
    Port of Los Angeles hits record three-month cargo volume

    The Port of Los Angeles set a record three-month volume of 2.9 million TEU from June to August as retailers rushed to import holiday goods ahead of new tariffs and rising fuel costs.

  10. [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach report record cargo volumes

    The Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach reported record-breaking cargo volumes this summer, driven by strong consumer demand and early holiday shipments as retailers prepare for the peak season.

  11. [BUSINESS] 4 sources
    Global container volumes reach record 17.3M TEUs in July

    Global container volumes hit a record 17.3 million TEUs in July 2026, showing trade resilience despite shipping disruptions and rising freight prices.

  12. [BUSINESS] 6 sources
    Port of Los Angeles reports second-highest July cargo volume

    The Port of Los Angeles recorded its second-highest July volume with 960,464 TEUs, driven by consumer demand and AI-related manufacturing equipment.

Sources

alicanteplaza.es · bairdmaritime.com · container-news.com · cryptobriefing.com · cyprusshippingnews.com · dcvelocity.com · e-nautilia.gr · epochtimes.com · gCaptain.com · globaltrailermag.com · ilnautilus.it · indiaseatradenews.com · labusinessjournal.com · latestly.com · logistiek.be · maritimegateway.com · marketbusinessnews.com · mononews.gr · mynewsla.com · panoramamaritimoylogistico.com · portalportuario.cl · portcalls.com · privatejetcardcomparisons.com · raillynews.com · sgbonline.com · spacemoney.com.br · srnnews.com · tradecouncil.org · transportemoderno.com.br · ttnews.com · voeazul.com.br · we-news.com

This summary has been updated 10 times: see revision history