Drewry has reported an increase in its Global Container Port Throughput Index for April, rising 5.6% year-over-year (YoY) and 0.5% month-over-month (MoM). This index is a comprehensive measure derived from over 340 ports globally, which collectively represent more than 80% of the world’s container volumes. The indices use January 2019 as a baseline, set at 100, and are adjusted for calendar discrepancies. The latest data shows a consistent trend in global port activity, with the 12-month growth rate maintaining at 6.5%.
North America has experienced the most significant growth this year-to-date (YTD) at 9.7%, closely followed by the Middle East and South Asia at 9.6%, while Greater China recorded a solid 7.5%. However, Oceania is the only region exhibiting a decline, reporting a 3.1% drop in throughput thus far this year. In Greater China, the Container Port Throughput Index rose to 125.4 points in April, marking a 2.3% MoM increase and a 7.1% YoY growth. The region’s largest ports continue to show impressive performance, with the top five ports averaging a 10% increase YoY.
Notably, Shenzhen’s volumes surged by 15% YoY, with other key ports like Guangzhou and Ningbo also reporting strong growth. Conversely, the North American Container Port Throughput Index increased to 118.4 points, reflecting a 2.2% MoM rise and a remarkable 10.3% YoY growth. Major U.S. West Coast ports, including Long Beach and Los Angeles, contributed significantly to this increase. In Latin America, the situation is more mixed, with the Container Port Throughput Index declining by 3.2% MoM despite a 2.8% YoY increase.
Although regional growth remains robust, momentum is slowing, highlighted by a drop in throughput at key terminals such as those in Panama. Despite fluctuations, overall annual volumes indicate a generally positive trend in container handling across most regions.