[REVISION HISTORY]

Global and US container shipping volume trends

Updated 3 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-09-11 03:25 UTC → 2026-09-11 03:25 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Global container shipping volumes reached record levels in July 2026, hitting 17.3 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). This 4.5% year-on-year increase surpassed the previous record set in May 2026. While international trade has remained resilient despite low water levels in the Panama Canal, the Gulf Crisis, and rising oil prices, freight costs have trended upward. The Global Price Index rose to 115 points in July, a 37% increase compared to July 2025 and an approximate 47% climb since the start of 2026. In the United States, the Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach reported significant surges, processing nearly 1.89 million TEUs combined in July, marking the third busiest month ever for the twin ports. The Port of Los Angeles specifically experienced its busiest three-month period in history between June and August 2026, processing more than 2.9 million TEUs. This surge surpasses the previous record established during the Covid-19 shipping boom. August volume at the port reached 955,907 TEUs, 6% above its five-year average. Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka attributed this strength to a broad mix of cargo and early seasonal ~~stocking, noting that retailers are rushing~~ stocking. Retailers appear to ~~import goods~~ be front-loading shipments to navigate evolving trade environments, rising fuel costs, and potential tariffs. The influx includes seasonal items such as Halloween costumes, Thanksgiving decor, and holiday ~~gifts ahead of new tariffs and rising fuel costs.~~ gifts. Despite economic pressures like inflation, industry ~~leaders~~ leaders, including Brian Dodge of the Retail Industry Leaders ~~Association expressed optimism~~ Association, remain optimistic regarding the upcoming holiday shopping ~~season, noting that consumer demand remains resilient.~~ season.

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