Analysis based on EconDB operational estimates
East Asia continues to dominate global container exports, according to the latest operational estimates published by EconDB. An analysis of the dataset covering February 2022 through June 2026 shows that the region consistently accounts for the largest share of monthly container exports, reinforcing its position as the world’s primary manufacturing and export hub.
Although monthly export volumes fluctuate because of seasonal shipping patterns, East Asia has remained the leading exporting region throughout the period covered by the dataset. The figures also highlight Europe’s stable position and the growing importance of Southeast Asia within global container trade.
Regional share of estimated global container exports (June 2026)
| Rank | Region | Estimated exports (TEU) | Share of total exports |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | East Asia | 7,091,662 | 32.0% |
| 2 | Europe | 4,133,712 | 18.7% |
| 3 | Southeast Asia | 3,829,369 | 17.3% |
| 4 | Latin America | 1,496,581 | 6.8% |
| 5 | Africa | 1,407,312 | 6.4% |
| 6 | North America | 1,343,118 | 6.1% |
| 7 | South Asia | 1,304,713 | 5.9% |
| 8 | Others | 903,803 | 4.1% |
| 9 | Middle East | 642,288 | 2.9% |
Regional shares calculated from the June 2026 operational estimates available in the EconDB dataset
East Asia remains the world’s leading exporting region
The operational estimates show that East Asia remained the largest exporting region in every month covered by the dataset. Monthly export volumes generally ranged between seven and ten million TEU, reflecting the region’s dominant role in global manufacturing and containerised trade.
Combined, East Asia, Europe and Southeast Asia account for approximately 68% of the estimated container exports in the June 2026 dataset. This highlights the continued concentration of global manufacturing and trade across these three regions.
Europe maintains a stable position
Europe consistently ranks as the world’s second-largest exporting region. Throughout the period covered by the dataset, monthly export volumes generally remained between four and five million TEU.
Despite changing market conditions, the figures suggest that European export activity has remained relatively stable. The region continues to play a central role in both intra-European trade and major east-west shipping corridors.
Southeast Asia continues to strengthen its role
The dataset also highlights Southeast Asia’s increasing importance within global container shipping.
Compared with the earlier part of the period covered, the region recorded higher monthly export volumes during 2024 and 2025. Although exports eased slightly during the first half of 2026, Southeast Asia remained one of the world’s largest exporting regions.
The operational estimates indicate that the region has become an increasingly significant contributor to global container export flows.
A diversified global export network
Beyond the three largest exporting regions, Latin America, Africa, North America and South Asia continued to generate steady export volumes throughout the period.
While each region accounts for a smaller share of global exports, together they demonstrate the broad geographical distribution of today’s containerised supply chains.
The June 2026 estimates also show that Africa exported slightly more container volume than North America, while both regions contributed similar shares of around six percent.
Looking beyond monthly fluctuations
Monthly export volumes naturally rise and fall throughout the year. However, the longer-term operational estimates reveal a remarkably consistent regional hierarchy.
East Asia has remained the world’s leading exporting region since early 2022. Europe has consistently ranked second, while Southeast Asia has gradually strengthened its position within global container shipping.
Rather than focusing on individual monthly movements, the dataset provides a broader perspective on the structural patterns that continue to shape international trade and liner shipping networks.
Disclaimer
Disclaimer: This analysis is based on independent operational estimates published by EconDB. The figures are generated using commercial vessel tracking, trade flow modelling and other operational indicators to provide timely estimates of global container export activity.
The data presented does not constitute official government trade statistics or customs data. It should be interpreted as independent market estimates designed to complement, not replace, official trade and shipping statistics.
