The latest data from Container Trade Statistics (CTS) shows that in August, containerised exports from Asia were 16% up year-on-year, at 1.2 million teu. 

However, this was less than the 22.5% growth the westbound trade saw in July, and the average 24% in the second quarter. 

Meanwhile, rates on the trade remained steady. CTS’s westbound Asia-Europe August price index, which uses the average rate for 2008 as a base figure of 100, was almost 120 – slightly up on the 119 recorded in July and the 117 recorded in June. 

Eastbound volumes in August were at 437,000teu, 5.8% down on August last year. Last month volumes were 6% down, year on year. 

The rate index for the eastbound trade stood at 112, slightly down on the July level.

International Freighting Weekly