Containerized Freight Index traded flat at 1,646.90 Points on July 22, 2025. Over the past month, Containerized Freight Index's price has fallen 11.91%, and is down 53.51% 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.

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.

This dataset provides a sample of spot ocean freight rates from Drewry Supply Chain Advisors' Container Freight Rate Insight. Two trade routes in the westbound transpacific trade lane are provided.

Graph and download economic data for Producer Price Index by Industry: Deep Sea Freight Transportation (PCU483111483111) from Jun 1988 to Jun 2025 about sea, freight, transportation, PPI, industry, inflation, price index, indexes, price, and USA.

Container freight rates from Shanghai to Los Angeles oscillated dramatically between June 2024 and July 2025. On July 11, 2024, freight rates between the two cities reached their peak at over ***** U.S dollars.

United States - Inbound Price Index (International Services): Air Freight was 185.80000 Index 2000=100 in June of 2025, according to the United States Federal Reserve. Historically, United States - Inbound Price Index (International Services): Air Freight reached a record high of 296.20000 in January of 2022 and a record low of 92.70000 in September of 1998. Trading Economics provides the current actual value, an historical data chart and related indicators for United States - Inbound Price Index (International Services): Air Freight - last updated from the United States Federal Reserve on July of 2025.

Container freight rates increased significantly between December 2020 and December 2021. While shipping a 40' container cost on average 2,652 U.S. dollars in December 2020, the global price skyrocketed to 9,425 U.S. dollars in December 2021.

United States - Producer Price Index by Industry: Deep Sea Freight Transportation: Primary Services was 380.69300 Index Jun 1988=100 in May of 2025, according to the United States Federal Reserve. Historically, United States - Producer Price Index by Industry: Deep Sea Freight Transportation: Primary Services reached a record high of 478.26300 in September of 2022 and a record low of 100.00000 in June of 1988. Trading Economics provides the current actual value, an historical data chart and related indicators for United States - Producer Price Index by Industry: Deep Sea Freight Transportation: Primary Services - last updated from the United States Federal Reserve on June of 2025.

Baltic Dry fell to 2,016 Index Points on July 21, 2025, down 1.75% from the previous day. Over the past month, Baltic Dry's price has risen 20.43%, and is up 6.33% compared to the same time last year, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity. Baltic Exchange Dry Index - values, historical data, forecasts and news - updated on July of 2025.

Graph and download economic data for Inbound Price Index (International Services): Air Freight (IC131) from Sep 1990 to May 2025 about air travel, freight, travel, services, price index, indexes, price, and USA.

United States - Producer Price Index by Industry: Deep Sea Freight Transportation: Deep Sea Freight Transportation Services was 421.29200 Index Jun 1988=100 in June of 2025, according to the United States Federal Reserve. Historically, United States - Producer Price Index by Industry: Deep Sea Freight Transportation: Deep Sea Freight Transportation Services reached a record high of 478.26300 in September of 2022 and a record low of 100.00000 in June of 1988. Trading Economics provides the current actual value, an historical data chart and related indicators for United States - Producer Price Index by Industry: Deep Sea Freight Transportation: Deep Sea Freight Transportation Services - last updated from the United States Federal Reserve on July of 2025.

United States - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Transportation Services: Deep Sea Water Transportation of Freight was 158.87800 Index Dec 2008=100 in June of 2025, according to the United States Federal Reserve. Historically, United States - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Transportation Services: Deep Sea Water Transportation of Freight reached a record high of 180.36300 in September of 2022 and a record low of 80.80000 in May of 2009. Trading Economics provides the current actual value, an historical data chart and related indicators for United States - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Transportation Services: Deep Sea Water Transportation of Freight - last updated from the United States Federal Reserve on July of 2025.

United States Imports: Services: India: Transport: Sea: Freight data was reported at 92.000 USD mn in 2016. This records a decrease from the previous number of 97.000 USD mn for 2015. United States Imports: Services: India: Transport: Sea: Freight data is updated yearly, averaging 87.000 USD mn from Dec 1999 (Median) to 2016, with 18 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 154.000 USD mn in 2005 and a record low of 19.000 USD mn in 2000. United States Imports: Services: India: Transport: Sea: Freight data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Bureau of Economic Analysis. The data is categorized under Global Database’s USA – Table US.JA037: Trade Statistics: Services: India.

The global container shipping market, valued at $116.04 billion in 2025, is projected to experience steady growth, driven by increasing global trade, expanding e-commerce, and the continued reliance on containerized freight for efficient goods transportation. The Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 3.11% from 2025 to 2033 indicates a consistent, albeit moderate, expansion. Key market segments include small, large, and high-cube containers, with general container shipping currently dominating the market share, although reefer container shipping is witnessing significant growth fueled by the increasing demand for temperature-sensitive goods such as pharmaceuticals and perishable food items. Major players like MSC, Maersk, CMA CGM, and COSCO are fiercely competitive, constantly optimizing their fleet, routes, and logistics strategies to maintain market share. Growth is geographically diverse, with North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific representing the largest markets, though emerging economies in regions like South America and the Middle East and Africa are anticipated to exhibit higher growth rates due to infrastructure development and increasing industrialization. Challenges include fluctuating fuel prices, port congestion, geopolitical instability, and the ongoing evolution of supply chain management practices. The market's growth is intrinsically linked to global economic health and trade policies. While a 3.11% CAGR suggests a stable trajectory, unforeseen events such as pandemics or significant trade wars could significantly impact growth projections. The segmentation by container size highlights the need for carriers to adapt to varied cargo needs, emphasizing efficiency and cost-effectiveness in their operations. Technological advancements, such as improved tracking systems, digitalization of shipping documentation, and the integration of AI for route optimization, are crucial for maintaining competitiveness and driving further efficiency gains within the industry. The ongoing consolidation among shipping lines necessitates agile strategies to accommodate shifts in alliances and market dominance. Analyzing regional variations in growth rates will be pivotal for strategic investment decisions and understanding the underlying economic dynamics of different global markets. This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of the global container shipping market, covering the historical period (2019-2024), base year (2025), and forecast period (2025-2033). Valued at billions of dollars, the market is experiencing significant transformation driven by evolving trade patterns, technological advancements, and geopolitical shifts. This report offers invaluable insights for industry stakeholders, investors, and policymakers seeking a clear understanding of this dynamic sector. Recent developments include: January 2024: SITC signed a framework agreement with Xiamen Port Holdings Group on January 2024, aiming to boost logistics jointly. Headquartered in Hong Kong, SITC is an intra-Asia shipping logistics company. The new agreement will see the two parties focus their cooperation on route network layout, international transit, complete logistics service chain, cross-border e-commerce, hinterland cargo source expansion, port intelligence, and digital transformation., May 2023: Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders enters the container manufacturing business after receiving an order from the Container Corporation of India Ltd (CONCOR) for 2,500 cargo-carrying steel boxes., January 2023: AP Moller-Maersk (Maersk) announces the completion of its acquisition of Martin Bencher Group, a Danish Project Logistics expert with premium capabilities within non-containerized project logistics and global operations. With the addition of Martin Bencher, they are strengthening their ability to offer project logistics services to their international clients while providing a more comprehensive offering to various industries.. Key drivers for this market are: 4., Increasing volume of international trade4.; The rise of trade agreements between nations. Potential restraints include: 4., Surge in fuel costs affecting the market4.; Increasing trade tension. Notable trends are: Increasing high cube containers segment.

Graph and download economic data for Outbound Price Index (International Services): Air Freight (IS231) from Sep 1992 to Jun 2025 about air travel, freight, travel, services, price index, indexes, price, and USA.

Container freight rates from Shanghai to Rotterdam oscillated dramatically between January 2023 and February 2025. On the 6th February 2025, freight rates between the two cities lessened slightly to around ***** U.S dollars. This constitutes a decrease compared to just 6 months prior, when freight rates reached an all-time low of just over ***** U.S dollars on 1st August 2024.

The global marine freight shipping industry, valued at $381.69 million in 2025, is projected to experience robust growth, driven by the expansion of global trade, increasing e-commerce activities, and the rising demand for faster and more efficient logistics solutions. The industry's Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.33% from 2025 to 2033 indicates a steady upward trajectory. Key growth drivers include the ongoing expansion of global supply chains, the increasing adoption of containerization for improved efficiency and security, and the continued development of specialized shipping services like reefer containers for perishable goods. Technological advancements, such as improved vessel tracking and management systems, are also contributing to increased efficiency and reduced operational costs. However, the industry faces challenges including fluctuating fuel prices, geopolitical instability impacting trade routes, and environmental regulations aimed at reducing carbon emissions. The segmentation of the market into containerized (general and reefer) and non-containerized shipping reflects the diversity of cargo types and shipping needs. Major players such as Maersk, MSC, CMA-CGM, and COSCO, dominate the market, leveraging their extensive vessel fleets, global network reach, and technological capabilities. Regional growth is expected to vary, with Asia-Pacific likely experiencing significant growth fueled by rapid economic development and manufacturing expansion in countries like China and India. North America and Europe are also anticipated to contribute substantially to market expansion, reflecting the large volume of goods traded within and across these regions. The continued evolution of the industry is likely to be shaped by ongoing technological innovation, shifts in global trade patterns, and the need for greater sustainability practices. The competitive landscape is fiercely contested, with major players constantly vying for market share through fleet expansion, route optimization, and technological investments. The industry's focus is shifting towards enhanced sustainability initiatives to meet growing environmental concerns. This includes the adoption of fuel-efficient vessels, alternative fuels, and decarbonization strategies. Strategic alliances and mergers and acquisitions are expected to further shape the industry’s competitive dynamics. The increasing integration of digital technologies, including blockchain and IoT, is anticipated to improve supply chain transparency, traceability, and overall efficiency. The forecast period of 2025-2033 presents significant opportunities for growth, but navigating the challenges related to geopolitical uncertainties, fluctuating fuel prices, and sustainability pressures will be crucial for sustained success within the global marine freight shipping industry. This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of the global marine freight shipping industry, covering the period from 2019 to 2033. With a base year of 2025 and an estimated year of 2025, this report forecasts market trends and growth opportunities until 2033, analyzing historical data from 2019-2024. The report leverages high-search-volume keywords such as container shipping, global shipping, maritime freight, ocean freight, shipping logistics, and sea freight, to ensure maximum visibility in search engine results. The report explores key industry players like Maersk, CMA CGM, and MSC, examining their market share, strategies, and impact on industry dynamics. Note: I cannot provide direct hyperlinks to company websites as I am an AI and do not have access to real-time information, including website URLs. Recent developments include: August 2023: Apeejay Shipping Ltd (ASL) announced the acquisition of a Japanese-built vessel with a deadweight capacity of 76,812 MT. The vessel adds significant strength to the Kolkata-based company's fleet, now totaling 10 vessels and boasting a combined deadweight tonnage (dwt) of 671,332 MT., October 2022: Lomar Shipping, a maritime subsidiary of Libra Group, has acquired the Bremen, Germany-based Carl Büttner Holding GmbH & Co. KG. The acquisition of the 166-year-old shipowner and manager known for its technical management expertise and strong maritime legacy is Lomar's most recent step to further diversify and grow its fleet.. Key drivers for this market are: 4., Increasing global trade4.; Demand for cost-effective transportation. Potential restraints include: 4., Increasing regulations affecting the growth of the market4.; Surge in fuel costs affecting the market. Notable trends are: Containerization is Evolving as a Trend.

United States - Inbound Price Index (International Services): Air Freight for Asia was 165.90000 Index 2000=100 in May of 2025, according to the United States Federal Reserve. Historically, United States - Inbound Price Index (International Services): Air Freight for Asia reached a record high of 312.20000 in January of 2022 and a record low of 84.20000 in September of 1998. Trading Economics provides the current actual value, an historical data chart and related indicators for United States - Inbound Price Index (International Services): Air Freight for Asia - last updated from the United States Federal Reserve on July of 2025.

Russia Freight Transport Price Index: Marine data was reported at 101.240 Prev Mth=100 in Jan 2019. This records an increase from the previous number of 100.920 Prev Mth=100 for Dec 2018. Russia Freight Transport Price Index: Marine data is updated monthly, averaging 100.595 Prev Mth=100 from Apr 1996 (Median) to Jan 2019, with 274 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 199.800 Prev Mth=100 in Sep 1998 and a record low of 77.980 Prev Mth=100 in Oct 2017. Russia Freight Transport Price Index: Marine data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Federal State Statistics Service. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Russian Federation – Table RU.TA009: Freight Transport Price Index: Previous Month=100.

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Shipping Container Market Size 2025-2029

The shipping container market size is forecast to increase by USD 3 billion at a CAGR of 4.8% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing global container traffic, driven by the expanding international trade and the growing economy of emerging markets. This trend is further fueled by strategic moves by key players in the industry to expand their operations and increase their profitability. However, the market is not without challenges, as the volatility in steel prices continues to impact the manufacturing costs of shipping containers. This price volatility, coupled with increasing competition and the need for regulatory compliance, necessitates effective operational planning and strategic decision-making for companies seeking to capitalize on market opportunities and navigate challenges effectively. In order to succeed in this dynamic market, companies must focus on innovation, cost optimization, and strategic partnerships to stay competitive and meet the evolving needs of their customers.

What will be the Size of the Shipping Container Market during the forecast period?

Request Free SampleThe container market encompasses a wide range of industries, with containerized solutions increasingly gaining traction in various sectors. From education and art installations to energy and water solutions, containers are being utilized to provide innovative and flexible alternatives. In containerized retail and housing, businesses and individuals are leveraging these structures for their adaptability and cost-effectiveness. Containerized construction and healthcare offer efficient and portable solutions, while containerized libraries and trade analytics provide access to information on the go. Containerized applications extend to various industries, including agriculture, waste management, logistics, and sustainable development. These solutions enable the transportation and storage of goods and resources, streamlining supply chains and reducing operational costs. Containerized infrastructure and manufacturing facilitate the production and distribution of goods on a global scale. Containerized trade is a significant aspect of the market, with containerized trade routes and lanes enabling the seamless movement of goods between countries. Containerized trade agreements, regulations, and compliance are crucial components, ensuring the smooth flow of international commerce. Containerized trade insurance and finance offer risk management and financial solutions for businesses engaging in global trade. Containerized solutions also play a vital role in emergency response and disaster relief, providing essential resources and services during crises. Containerized shipping and transportation networks ensure the timely delivery of goods and aid, making them an indispensable part of modern business operations.

How is this Shipping Container Industry segmented?

The shipping container industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD million' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments. TypeDry containersReefer containersTank containersSpecial containersApplicationFood and beveragesConsumer goodsHealthcareIndustrial productsOthersVariantSmall containers (20 feet)Large containers (40 feet)High cube containers (40 feet)End-UserShipping CompaniesLogistics ProvidersManufacturersGeographyNorth AmericaUSCanadaEuropeGermanyUKMiddle East and AfricaAPACAustraliaChinaIndiaJapanSouth KoreaSouth AmericaBrazilRest of World (ROW)

By Type Insights

The dry containers segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.The container market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing demand for efficient and cost-effective freight solutions. Dry containers, in particular, are in high demand, with China and India being the primary markets. These countries' extensive involvement in export and import activities of dry freight, driven by their large populations and commodity requirements, is fueling the market's expansion. China's increasing dry bulk production and the high-volume export and import activities of countries like Australia and Russia for food grains, and Egypt as a major importer of wheat, are significant contributors to the container market's growth. Containers offer substantial cost savings for both import and export trades by eliminating the need for warehousing at ports, as the containers themselves serve as temporary storage for goods. The container industry's evolution includes various entities such as Container Depot, Container Recycling, Container Freight, Container Logistics, Container Crane, Container Retrofit, Container Inventory, Container Art, Container Libraries, Container Repair, Container Sustainabi