Containers are up by 22% this week; air cargo is up by 19%
I am sharing with you, on behalf of Jacob, who is currently on compassionate leave, the latest version of the cargo report for distribution.
Some highlights discussed this week include the following:
Consolidated port throughput for 2025 Calendar Year:
Container throughput in 2025 totalled 4,473 million TEUs, which is up by +3,2% (y/y) on 2024.
Total bulk cargo in 2025 totalled 221 million tonnes, which is up by +4,4% (y/y) on 2024.
Vehicle throughput in 2025 totalled 899 094 units, which is up by +15% (y/y) on 2024.
Durban Container Terminal Pier 2 transitioned to Durban Gateway Terminal under ICTSI; however, the changed data-sharing approach under the new venture is a cause for concern.
Air freight: ORTIA for 2025 Calendar Year:
Despite the slowdown towards the end of the year, total air freight to and from ORTIA in 2025 totalled 350 million kilograms, which is up by +0,7% (y/y) on 2024total year-to-date air freight.
Global trade & industry summary:
Global output is projected to grow at around 2,6–2,7% in 2026, marginally below 2025 and below the pre-pandemic trend, with investment remaining subdued across most regions
Global spot rates rose by +17,2% (or $375) to $2 557/40ft between end-2025 and early-2026.
