Global demand for container transportation increased by almost 5%
In October 2020, global demand for container transportation is estimated at 15.21 million TEU, which is 4.7% more than a year earlier. The rates index increased to 75 points, and the gap from last year’s figure increased to 10 points. This is evidenced by the data of the statistical service Container Trade Statistics.
It is noted that the volume of container imports to North America increased by 20% to 2.86 million TEU, but exports remained 11% lower than last year’s level of 1.2 million TEU. Imports to Europe increased by 3.7% in October to 2.79 million TEU, while exports increased by more than 15% to 2.75 million TEU. It is possible that this growth is caused by the desire of the lines to export as many empty containers to Asia as possible. Thus, imports to Asia increased by 2.6% to 5.95 million TEU, and exports – by 10% to 8.82 million TEU.
