[REVISION HISTORY]

Global and US container shipping volume trends

Updated 10 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-10-15 07:43 UTC → 2026-10-16 16:44 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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, ~~the~~ major West Coast ports reported historic activity in September 2026. The Port of Los Angeles ~~reported~~ handled 1,042,652 TEUs, its busiest month in 118 years, ~~handling 1,042,652 TEUs in September 2026. Port Executive Director Gene Seroka attributed this to~~ driven by resilient consumer ~~demand, inventory replenishment,~~ demand and inventory replenishment. Similarly, the Port of Long Beach set an all-time monthly cargo ~~reallocation.~~ 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 that caused vessel congestion and temporary work stoppages.~~ 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.

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