Global TEU liftings reached an estimated 89.2 million TEU during the first six months of 2026, according to the latest EconDB operational estimates. While container volumes remained above the levels recorded in 2022 and 2023, they fell behind the exceptionally strong performances seen in both 2024 and 2025.
The figures suggest that global container demand has moderated compared with the previous two years. However, the market continues to operate above the levels recorded earlier in the decade.
First-half global TEU liftings
The first half of 2026 recorded an estimated 89.20 million TEU of global liftings.
This represents a decline of 10.6% compared with the first half of 2025 and 7.4% compared with the same period in 2024. At the same time, estimated liftings remained 1.6% higher than in 2023 and 3.8% above 2022.
| Year | Jan–Jun TEU liftings | Difference vs 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 99.76 million | +10.6% |
| 2024 | 96.29 million | +7.4% |
| 2026 | 89.20 million | — |
| 2023 | 87.80 million | -1.6% |
| 2022 | 85.92 million | -3.8% |
Global TEU liftings remain below 2024 and 2025
Every month between January and June recorded lower estimated liftings than the corresponding month in both 2024 and 2025.
The largest gap appeared in March, when estimated global TEU liftings reached 14.99 million TEU. By comparison, March totalled 16.76 million TEU in 2024 and 17.85 million TEU in 2025.
A similar trend continued throughout the first half of the year, with monthly liftings consistently trailing the previous two years.
2026 continues to outperform 2022 and 2023
Although 2026 has started more slowly than 2024 and 2025, the latest estimates still compare favourably with earlier years.
The first-half total exceeded the same period of 2023 by 1.6% and remained 3.8% above 2022. This indicates that global container transport activity continues to operate at relatively elevated levels despite a slower pace.
What the first-half data suggests
The latest EconDB estimates point to a moderation in global TEU liftings rather than a sharp downturn.
Volumes remain below the exceptionally strong levels recorded over the previous two years. However, they continue to outperform both 2022 and 2023, highlighting a container market that has eased from recent highs while remaining historically resilient.
Disclaimer
Disclaimer: This analysis is based on independent operational estimates published by EconDB. The figures use trade-flow modelling and other operational inputs to estimate global container liftings. The data is intended for analytical purposes and may be revised in future updates. Official government or carrier statistics may differ.
