Container freight rates oscillated dramatically between January 2023 and July 2025. Freight rates slumped to their lowest level on the 26th of October 2023, when the going rate for a 40-foot container was only ***** U.S. dollars. Since then, the global freight rate has significantly increased, hitting over ***** U.S. dollars in July 2024, the highest value on record. As of July 10, 2025, freight rates decreased to 2,672 U.S. dollars per 40ft container. How did we get here? The global supply chain is a fragile system consisting of numerous links. Disruption to one can send cascading effects down a chain that needs to function properly for the whole system to work. The COVID-19 pandemic turned out to be an event of such a magnitude to either bring to halt whole industries and supply chains, or severely reduce their efficiency. Due to its complexity and transcontinental nature, container shipping was hit especially hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the start of the pandemic, the shipping industry has had to struggle with port closures and congestions, labor shortages, difficulties with capacity utilization, as well as a lack of new shipping containers. In more recent months, the impact of the conflict in the Middle-East between Israel and numerous Islamic nations has had a significant effect on oil exports in the region, further exacerbating an industry in desperate need of recovery. Container carriers profiting While costs of operating a container fleet have increased, the surge in freight rates has not served just to cover rising expenses. Container ship operators had been reporting record-high operating profit margins since the beginning of the pandemic. However, despite these high profit margins, the freight rate increase has had some repercussions. In the second quarter of 2023, main container shipping companies had an average profit margin of *** percent, a decrease of almost ** percent compared to the peak EBIT in the first quarter of 2022. Despite this decrease, some of the carriers are combating this trend by using their previous profits to increase their carrying capacity by buying new containers and ordering new container ships. However, the delivery of these newly ordered ships is still years away.

In 2023 the world merchant container ship fleet had a capacity of around 227 million metric tons deadweight. As of January 2021, there were 5,307 container ships in the world's merchant fleet. Container shipping and global trade As global supply networks consolidate, global value chains increase the need for seaborne transportation of goods. Container shipping is the most cost-effective and environmentally-friendly option to transport goods overseas, despite its considerable environmental footprint. The demand for more seaborne trade calls for larger vessels: the carrying capacity of the global merchant fleet has been increasing steadily during recent decades, reaching nearly 2 billion deadweight tons in 2020. In that same year, the seaborne trade transport volume was roughly 11 billion metric tons, up from 8 billion metric tons in 2008. Moreover, the global container shipping volume reached some 849 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in 2021, an increase from 622 million TEUs in 2012. Leading firms Container shipping a highly capital-intensive economic sector with high potential returns acquired from expanding global demand for the trade of goods. Container lines are constantly under pressure to offer low rates to their customers and maximize vessels' utilization rates. To overcome these challenges, the market has consolidated around three alliances: 2M, Ocean Alliance, and THE Alliance, which together account for 80 percent of the global container market. APM-Maersk, COSCO Shipping, Mediterranean Shipping Company and Hapag-Lloyd are some of the leading container shipping firms globally. Both in terms of the number of ships and TEU capacity, APM-Maersk is the leading container shipping company globally. APM-Maersk's revenue reached almost 62 billion U.S. dollars in the fiscal year of 2021.

Containerized Freight Index fell to 1,460.19 Points on August 15, 2025, down 1.98% from the previous day. Over the past month, Containerized Freight Index's price has fallen 15.76%, and is down 55.50% compared to the same time last year, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity. This dataset includes a chart with historical data for Containerized Freight Index.

Graph and download economic data for Cass Freight Index: Shipments (FRGSHPUSM649NCIS) from Jan 1990 to Jul 2025 about shipments, freight, indexes, and USA.

Global Shipping Container Market was valued at USD 12.55 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to project robust growth in the forecast period with a CAGR of 6.51% through 2029.

The global shipping refrigerated container market is experiencing robust growth, driven by the expanding global trade in perishable goods, particularly food and pharmaceuticals. The market, valued at approximately $15 billion in 2025, is projected to exhibit a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7% from 2025 to 2033, reaching an estimated value of $25 billion by 2033. This growth is fueled by several key factors including increasing demand for temperature-sensitive products like pharmaceuticals and fresh produce, advancements in container technology leading to improved efficiency and reduced spoilage, and the ongoing expansion of global supply chains. The market segmentation reveals strong demand across various container sizes (20ft, 30ft, 40ft), with 40ft containers dominating due to their higher capacity. Similarly, the application segment shows significant growth across food, medicine, and consumer goods, driven by the need for efficient and reliable cold chain logistics for these temperature-sensitive products.
Major players like Maersk, Seaco, and Chart Industries are actively investing in research and development to enhance container technology and expand their market share. However, the market faces challenges such as fluctuating fuel prices, stringent regulatory compliance requirements, and the potential impact of geopolitical instability on global trade. Despite these restraints, the long-term outlook for the shipping refrigerated container market remains positive, driven by the continuous growth of the global economy and the increasing reliance on efficient cold chain solutions for the movement of perishable goods worldwide. The increasing adoption of digital technologies for real-time monitoring and management of container temperatures and conditions further contributes to the market's positive growth trajectory.

Key information about United States Container Port Throughput

• United States Container Port Throughput was reported at 62,214,119.000 TEU in Dec 2022
• This records an increase from the previous number of 62,161,482.000 TEU for Dec 2021. US Container Port Throughput data is updated yearly, averaging 47,684,805.000 TEU from Dec 2008 to 2022, with 15 observations
• The data reached an all-time high of 62,214,119.000 TEU in 2022 and a record low of 37,353,574.903 TEU in 2009
• US Container Port Throughput data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
• The data is categorized under World Trend Plus’s Association: Shipping and Port Sector – Table RP.UNCTAD.CPT: Container Port Throughput (CPT)

Key information about China Container Port Throughput

• China Container Port Throughput was reported at 268,990,000.000 TEU in Dec 2022
• This records an increase from the previous number of 256,945,700.000 TEU for Dec 2021. China Container Port Throughput data is updated yearly, averaging 195,509,165.000 TEU from Dec 2008 to 2022, with 15 observations
• The data reached an all-time high of 268,990,000.000 TEU in 2022 and a record low of 108,799,933.725 TEU in 2009
• China Container Port Throughput data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
• The data is categorized under World Trend Plus’s Association: Shipping and Port Sector – Table RP.UNCTAD.CPT: Container Port Throughput (CPT)

The Vietnam shipping container market size reached USD 47.6 Million in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 67.4 Million by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 3.94% during 2025-2033. The significant expansion in the e-commerce sector, the increasing demand for shipping containers in the manufacturing hub industry, and the implementation of government policies and tax incentives to attract investment while promoting sector growth represent some of the key factors driving the market.

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market, along with forecasts at the country level for 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on product, container size, and application.

The global domestic trade container market is experiencing robust growth, driven by the expansion of e-commerce, increasing urbanization, and the need for efficient intra-regional goods transportation. While precise market size data for the base year (2025) is not provided, considering typical growth rates in related sectors and the substantial volume of domestic trade globally, a reasonable estimate for the 2025 market size could be placed at $15 billion USD. Assuming a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7%—a figure reflective of similar logistics sectors experiencing healthy growth—the market is projected to reach approximately $25 billion USD by 2033. This growth is fueled by several key drivers: the rise of just-in-time inventory management strategies favoring smaller, more frequent shipments; increasing infrastructure investments in inland transportation networks; and the continued development of standardized container handling equipment for domestic applications. Growth is segmented across container types (standard dry containers, reefer containers, and others), with standard dry containers dominating the market share due to their versatility and cost-effectiveness. The application segment is primarily driven by maritime transport and land transport, mirroring the diverse nature of domestic trade flows. Regional variations exist, with developed economies in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific representing larger market shares due to advanced logistics infrastructure and high domestic consumption. However, challenges remain. Fluctuations in fuel prices and raw material costs can directly impact container production and transportation expenses, affecting market growth. Furthermore, regulatory hurdles related to container standardization and cross-border movement, especially in developing regions, might create regional disparities. Despite these potential restraints, the overarching trend points towards significant expansion in the domestic trade container market over the next decade, driven by technological advancements in container design and tracking, increasing efficiency in supply chains, and the enduring growth of global e-commerce, leading to heightened demand for efficient intra-regional transportation solutions. This report provides a detailed analysis of the global domestic trade container market, valued at $75 billion in 2023, projected to reach $100 billion by 2028, exhibiting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.5%. It delves into market dynamics, key players, emerging trends, and future growth prospects, focusing on crucial aspects such as production, applications, and regional distribution. This report is invaluable for industry stakeholders, investors, and researchers seeking a comprehensive understanding of this rapidly evolving sector.

APAC Shipping Container Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.6% to reach $ 5.9 billion by 2026, Shipping Container Market Report Size, Share, Trends Analysis, Growth & Forecast, By Size, By Product Type, By Goods Transported, By Country, Competition & Opportunities,

United States - Freight Transportation Services Index was 137.00000 Chain-type Index 2000=100 in May of 2025, according to the United States Federal Reserve. Historically, United States - Freight Transportation Services Index reached a record high of 140.60000 in August of 2019 and a record low of 94.90000 in April of 2009. Trading Economics provides the current actual value, an historical data chart and related indicators for United States - Freight Transportation Services Index - last updated from the United States Federal Reserve on August of 2025.

The global ethylene ISO tank container market is experiencing robust growth, driven by the increasing demand for ethylene in various industries, particularly in the production of plastics and polyethylene. The market size in 2025 is estimated at $2.5 billion, exhibiting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7% from 2025 to 2033. This growth is fueled by several key factors, including the expansion of the petrochemical sector, rising global consumption of plastics, and the increasing adoption of ISO tank containers for efficient and safe ethylene transportation. The preference for ISO tank containers over traditional methods stems from their enhanced safety features, reduced transportation costs, and compatibility with various modes of transport, including land, sea, and rail. Significant market segmentation exists based on container size (≤30 ft and >30 ft) and application (land and marine transportation), with the larger containers and marine transport segment showing comparatively faster growth. Key players like Chart Industries, BTCE, and CIMC are driving innovation and expanding their market share through technological advancements and strategic partnerships. Geographic expansion, particularly in developing economies of Asia-Pacific and the Middle East & Africa, is further propelling market expansion. While the market demonstrates significant potential, challenges such as fluctuating ethylene prices, stringent regulatory compliance requirements, and potential disruptions in the global supply chain could pose some restraints to growth. However, the long-term outlook remains positive, driven by the continuous growth in the petrochemical industry and the inherent advantages of ISO tank containers for ethylene transportation. The continuous improvements in container design, coupled with investments in advanced manufacturing and logistics infrastructure, will likely mitigate some of these challenges and further fuel market growth in the coming years. The focus is shifting toward sustainable and efficient transportation solutions, which is expected to drive demand for innovative, eco-friendly ethylene ISO tank containers. This report provides a detailed analysis of the global ethylene ISO tank container market, offering invaluable insights for industry stakeholders, investors, and researchers. We delve into market size, segmentation, key players, growth drivers, challenges, and future trends, focusing on critical aspects such as production volume, transportation modes, and technological advancements. The report leverages extensive market research, covering production estimations in the millions of units and providing detailed segment breakdowns.

Brazil BR: Container Port Traffic: TEU (20 Foot Equivalent Units) data was reported at 11,683,239.000 TEU in 2022. This records a decrease from the previous number of 11,801,530.000 TEU for 2021. Brazil BR: Container Port Traffic: TEU (20 Foot Equivalent Units) data is updated yearly, averaging 8,037,427.000 TEU from Dec 2000 (Median) to 2022, with 23 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 11,801,530.000 TEU in 2021 and a record low of 2,323,801.000 TEU in 2001. Brazil BR: Container Port Traffic: TEU (20 Foot Equivalent Units) data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Brazil – Table BR.World Bank.WDI: Transportation. Port container traffic measures the flow of containers from land to sea transport modes, and vice versa, in twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), a standard-size container. Data refer to coastal shipping as well as international journeys. Transshipment traffic is counted as two lifts at the intermediate port (once to off-load and again as an outbound lift) and includes empty units.;UNCTAD (http://unctad.org/en/Pages/statistics.aspx);Sum;

The global shipping refrigerated container market is experiencing robust growth, driven by the increasing demand for temperature-sensitive goods in international trade and the expansion of the global cold chain logistics network. The market size in 2025 is estimated at $15 billion, demonstrating significant market potential. A Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7% is projected from 2025 to 2033, indicating a substantial increase in market value over the forecast period. This growth is fueled by several factors including the rising popularity of e-commerce, which necessitates efficient cold chain solutions for perishable goods. Technological advancements in refrigeration technology, leading to enhanced energy efficiency and improved temperature control, are also contributing significantly. Furthermore, the growing awareness of food safety and quality standards across various industries, such as pharmaceuticals and food processing, is pushing the adoption of these containers. However, the market faces challenges such as fluctuating fuel prices, which directly impact operational costs. Geopolitical instability and trade restrictions can also affect the seamless flow of goods, impacting market growth. Despite these restraints, the market's long-term prospects remain positive, driven by the ever-increasing global demand for fresh produce, pharmaceuticals, and other temperature-sensitive products. The diverse range of container types and sizes caters to specific industry requirements, further expanding the market opportunities. Major players like Maersk, Seaco, and Chart Industries are investing in innovative solutions and expanding their global reach to maintain a competitive edge in this dynamic market. This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of the global shipping refrigerated container market, currently valued at approximately $7 billion and projected for substantial growth. We delve into market concentration, key trends, dominant regions, product insights, and future forecasts, offering actionable intelligence for businesses operating within this dynamic sector. This report utilizes data from various sources and applies industry expertise to deliver accurate estimations.

Key information about Brazil Container Port Throughput

• Brazil Container Port Throughput was reported at 11,683,239.000 TEU in Dec 2022
• This records a decrease from the previous number of 11,801,530.000 TEU for Dec 2021. Brazil Container Port Throughput data is updated yearly, averaging 9,263,315.000 TEU from Dec 2008 to 2022, with 15 observations
• The data reached an all-time high of 11,801,530.000 TEU in 2021 and a record low of 6,590,363.887 TEU in 2009
• Brazil Container Port Throughput data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
• The data is categorized under World Trend Plus’s Association: Shipping and Port Sector – Table RP.UNCTAD.CPT: Container Port Throughput (CPT)