Year-on-year data for May 2025 reveals that global seaborne container trade grew by 1.8%, continuing a generally positive trend, according to DynaLiners.
Out of the total trade corridors monitored, thirty-four trade lanes recorded growth, while fifteen experienced declines.
However, North America stood out as a weak spot. Both exports and imports contracted, with imports falling by 9.4% and exports by 8.1%. The most pronounced decline was in intra-North American trade, which dropped by a sharp 26.6%.
When comparing monthly growth rates in 2025 to the same months in 2024, May showed a notable slowdown. Still, February remains the only month this year with a negative growth rate.
Taking a broader view, the cumulative results for January to May 2025 present a more optimistic picture, showing an overall 5.0% increase year-on-year. Despite this, the period saw notable declines in exports from North America and sub-Saharan Africa, as well as a drop in Australian imports.
At the trade lane level, the five-month overview indicates growth across thirty-three corridors, with sixteen routes showing declines.
