The world’s largest container port of Shanghai handled 4.62 million TEU in July, which is almost 5% lower than the level of the previous year. The decrease is explained by the high base effect: in July 2024, an absolute record of 4.85 million TEU was set here. At the same time, compared to June, the figure also decreased by almost 2%, which is unusual for the traditional peak season.
Analysts note that the disruption in seasonality is caused by uncertainty around trade duties and the possible end of the truce between the US and China. Importers began to build up stocks in advance, which shifted the peak of activity to an earlier date.
In general, market participants emphasize that the scale of container traffic this year is noticeably more modest: economic and political turbulence has a negative impact on demand for transportation.