In June, container exports from Asia to Europe surged to 1.59 million TEUs, marking an impressive 8% increase compared to the same period last year, according to data from the Japan Maritime Center (JMC) and the U.K.’s Container Trades Statistics (CTS). This consistent growth, driven primarily by increased exports from China, has been climbing for 16 consecutive months, underscoring the resilience and vitality of trade between these regions.
Breaking down the data by origin, China and Hong Kong together accounted for a significant 1.25 million TEUs, reflecting a 10.5% increase. Southeast Asia contributed 196,474 TEUs, up by 4.1%, while other Northeast Asian economies experienced a decline, with volumes decreasing to 140,450 TEUs, a drop of 5.8%.
On the destination side, North Europe was the largest recipient, taking in one million TEUs, a rise of 10.7%. The Eastern Mediterranean received 295,283 TEUs, a modest increase of 1.4%, while the Western Mediterranean handled 292,150 TEUs, up by 6.2%.
The JMC attributes this surge to the spike in demand just before the European Commission (EC) imposed higher import tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) in July, highlighting the complex and dynamic nature of global trade. As we look ahead, the impacts of such regulatory changes on trade flows warrant close monitoring.
Conversely, container imports from Europe to Asia totalled 537,854 TEUs in June, experiencing a slight 0.1% decline, marking the first year-on-year decrease in two months. By origin, imports from North Europe stood at 367,940 TEUs, down by 1.9%. The Western Mediterranean showed a positive trend with 89,264 TEUs, up by 2.7%, while the Eastern Mediterranean contributed 80,650 TEUs, reflecting a 5.5% increase.
Destination-wise, China received 261,581 TEUs, up by 1.7%, Southeast Asia saw a decrease to 152,923 TEUs, down by 5%, and other Northeast Asian economies received 123,349 TEUs, a 2.4% rise.
Over the first half of the year, exports from Asia to Europe grew by 6.7% to 8.75 million TEUs, while imports from Europe increased slightly by 0.3% to 3.19 million TEUs.
The Urgent Need for Supply Chain Visibility and Climate Impact Software
These fluctuations in global trade underscore the growing complexity and volatility in supply chains. As export and import volumes continue to shift in response to economic, regulatory, and environmental factors, the need for real-time supply chain and climate impact visibility has never been more critical. Beneficial Cargo Owners (BCOs) and Logistics Service Providers (LSPs) must be equipped with advanced software solutions that provide real-time data insights to navigate these challenges effectively.
With the rise in container shipments and the growing emphasis on sustainability, real-time data can help BCOs and LSPs make informed, business-critical decisions to counteract disruptions and mitigate the environmental impact of their supply chains. By leveraging these insights, companies can enhance their operational resilience, ensure compliance with environmental regulations, and ultimately secure a competitive edge in the global market.
In an era where every decision counts, the integration of supply chain visibility and climate impact software is not just a strategic advantage—it’s a necessity.