Global container volumes rise 8% in Sept as freight prices surge

Global container volumes increased 8% yearon-year in September 2026, sustaining the shipping industry’s growth momentum despite a slight monthly decline following August’s record-high liftings.

Container liftings reached 17.35 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in September, down 1.4% from the previous month, according to data from Container Trades Statistics Ltd. (CTS).

CTS said the month-on-month decline should be viewed against August 2026, which recorded the highest monthly container lifting volume in its database.

Despite the pullback, September volumes remained 8% above the level recorded in the same month last year.

This story was originally published by PortCalls Asia. Read the full story at PortCalls Asia →