November Contrasts: North American Container Volumes Shrink Amid Global Growth Surge

There is an old adage in business: “Trade goes where it’s wanted and stays where it’s appreciated.”

This maxim has never rung truer than in this past November. As President Donald Trump’s trade war persists, global container shipping demand recorded a 7.2% growth across all regions compared to a year earlier - except for North America, where actual import volumes fell by 3.9%.

The World Accelerates, North America Stalls

According to figures from Container Trades Statistics (CTS) - which measures cargo volumes at the time of loading - if North America is excluded, global growth was even more impressive, hitting 10.1%.

In terms of import growth velocity, Sub-Saharan Africa led the globe with a 25.5% increase. Conversely, North America was the sole region to witness a decline, shedding 3.9% in volume. This marks the eighth consecutive month of year-on-year volume contraction, a trend paralleling the escalation of tariffs and the trade war initiated by Mr. Trump.

Shifting Cargo Flows from Asia

Shifts in trade flows are most evident on major ocean trade lanes originating from Asia. Cargo is seeking new destinations instead of the traditional US market:

•    Africa: Up 34.2%.

•    Indian Subcontinent & Middle East: Up 20.2%.

•    Latin America and Europe: Both up 15.5%.

Meanwhile, the Trans-Pacific route to North America recorded a 4.7% decline, starkly reflecting the cooling demand on what is traditionally the world’s busiest trade corridor.

See more:

• Asia-Pacific Freight Market January 2026: A Mixed Landscape of Opportunities and Risks
• Global Shipping Forecast 2026: Rates Decline Amid Oversupply Pressure
• International Shipping and Logistics Market Update Week 2/2026 | Phaata
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• Descartes Report: US Container Imports Drop 5.9% in December
• Drewry’s Intra-Asia Index (IACI) Dips Slightly in Early 2026: Rebound Forecasted Soon
• ONE Partners with MTI to Establish 'QUAVEO' Joint Venture in HCMC: Leveraging AI to Drive Digital Transformation in Shipping
• Asia-US Container Rates See Modest Rebound
• CMA CGM Announces New FAK Rates for Asia - North Europe Trade
• Suez Canal 100 Days Post-Attack Pause: Throughput Remains 60% Below Pre-Crisis Levels
• China Ports Jan-Nov 2025: Container Throughput Up 6.6%
• IATA Updates Major Safety Standards in 2026 ULD Regulations
• COSCO schedules: Vietnam - North America in Jan 2026
• SITC updates Vietnam-Intra Asia sailing schedules in Jan 2026

Source: Phaata.com (According to Freight Waves)

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