Drewry Port Throughput Index

Data Shipping

Source: Drewry
Source Link: https://www.drewry.co.uk/
Frequency: Monthly
Next Release(s): December 30th, 2025 10:00 AM

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Drewry’s Global Container Port Throughput Index decreased 1.4% MoM in September, up 4.0% YoY. Meanwhile, the rolling 12-month average growth rate for global port handling fell to 5.9%. As 2025 progresses, overall YTD growth of 6.4% remains well ahead of the anticipated growth for the full year, which was raised to 4.8% in October. The growth continues to be driven by the Middle East and South Asia region, up 4.7% MoM and 8.4% YTD. Meanwhile, the slowdown in North America is becoming much more visible, down 1.0% YoY in September and up only 4.1% YTD.
- The Greater China Container Port Throughput Index fell 3.1% MoM in September 2025, up 3.5% YoY. The 12-month average growth rate in Greater China fell to 5.4%, staying below the global average of 5.9%. Throughput in almost all the major ports in Greater China fell MoM in September, though most of them remain well ahead of last year. For example, Shanghai volumes fell 3.8% MoM, but were up 13.6% YoY. The Pearl River Delta ports were heavily impacted by Super Typhoon Ragasa in September. Shenzhen volumes fell 17.9% MoM, down 12.2% YoY, while at Guangzhou they fell 17% MoM, down 5.4% YoY. Hong Kong continues to weaken, with throughput falling 12.2% MoM, down 16.3% YoY.
- The North American Container Port Throughput Index fell 3.9% MoM in September to 115.5 points, down 1.0% YoY. The rolling 12-month average growth rate reduced to 5.6%, dropping below the global average of 5.9% for the first time since July 2024. Volumes at almost all major ports reduced in September as the peak season appears to have finished a couple of months earlier than usual. Throughput fell 11.6% MoM at Long Beach and 7.9% at Los Angeles. MoM dips were also recorded at Savannah (down 9%), Houston (down 8.8%), Norfolk (down 9.5%) and Charleston (down 7.7%).
- The European Container Port Throughput Index rose 2.1% MoM in September, up 6.0% YoY to 113.6 points. The rolling 12-month average growth rate remained at 6.6%, still ahead of the global average of 5.9%. Volumes at some of the major ports in North West Europe have been weaker than expected. September throughput at Antwerp was down 2.5% YoY. Bremerhaven saw volumes soften by 0.7% MoM, though it was up 5.0% YoY. On the other hand, volumes at Rotterdam rose 3.3% MoM, up 5.9% YoY in September.
Drewry’s Global Container Port Throughput Index decreased 1.1% MoM in July, but was up 4.1% YoY. As we progress through 2025, the global market has continued to outperform expectations, and as such Drewry further upgraded its full year growth forecast to 3.3% in August. However, with frontloading having played a significant role in 1H25 growth, we are beginning to see the early signs of the projected slowdown in 2H25. The strongest growth has been seen in the Middle East and South Asia region, where port throughput is up 7.8% YTD, closely followed by Europe which recorded a volume increase of 6.5% YTD.
- The Greater China Container Port Throughput Index fell 3.4% MoM in July 2025, but remained up 2.0% YoY. The 12-month average growth rate in Greater China slowed to 5.6%, below the global average of 6.1%. Some of the largest ports in the region are showing early signs of the anticipated slowdown: Shanghai’s volumes slid 1.8% MoM in July, down 4.6% YoY, throughput at Ningbo decreased 4.1% MoM but remained ahead 6.7% YoY, while container traffic at Shenzhen grew 4.1% MoM in July but was down 1.1% YoY.
- The North and Southeast Asia Container Port Throughput Index decreased 3.0% MoM in July to 120.4 points, but was up 3.7% YoY. However, the rolling 12-month average growth rate fell to 5.3%. In Southeast Asia, Singapore’s throughput jumped 4.3% MoM (up 8.2% YoY) to a new monthly high. Laem Chabang also had a strong month, with volumes up 2.2% MoM and 10.4% YoY.
- The North American Container Port Throughput Index spiked 8.3% MoM in July to 119.8 points, up 4.1% YoY to the highest point in over two years. The rollercoaster impact of the "on-off" tariff policy was very much in evidence at USWC ports - volumes at Long Beach surged 34% MoM (up 7% YoY), while those at Los Angeles grew by 14% MoM (up 8.5% YoY) to a new record, handling over 1 mteu in the month. Strong growth was experienced at other major US gateways including New York (up 15% MoM), Savannah (up 16% MoM), and Houston (up 18% MoM)—with shippers rushing to bring cargo into the US before the widescale tariff increases were implemented in early August.
Drewry’s Global Container Port Throughput Index increased 1.6% MoM and 4.4% YoY in June 2025. Although the rolling 12-month growth rate for global port handling softened slightly to 6.4%, by the halfway mark of 2025 YTD performance is well ahead of the anticipated growth for the year, even after the full year forecast was upgraded to 2.7% in July.
- The strongest growth this year has been reported by the Middle East and South Asia region where volumes are up 9.1% YTD. Greater China, Latin America and Europe are also experiencing significant growth YTD, up 6.2%, 5.8% and 5.7%, respectively.
- The Greater China Container Port Throughput Index increased in June 2025, rising 3.6% MoM to 129.4 points, up 3.5% YoY. The rolling 12-month growth rate in Greater China fell to 6.1%, below the global average of 6.4%. However, the largest ports in the region continue to experience above average growth, with the top five ports up 7.4% YoY on average for 2Q25. Ningbo in particular had a good quarter, with volumes surging 9.5% YoY. At the other end of the spectrum, Hong Kong continued its slide, down 8.2% YoY for 2Q25-monthly volumes in June fell below 1 mteu for only the second time in the last 15 years (and the only other time was in February 2024 – a short month impacted by Chinese New Year holidays).
- The North American Container Port Throughput Index rose 1.7% MoM in June to 110.3 points, but was down 4.0% YoY and the rolling 12-month average growth rate reduced to 8.4%. While Long Beach and Los Angeles saw significant volume increases in June compared to May, this was the exception for the region as throughput at most of the other major regional ports slid back in June.
- The European Container Port Throughput Index fell 1.5% MoM in June, but was up 6.4% YoY to 114.0 points. The rolling 12-month average growth rate increased to 6.0%, narrowing the gap to the global average growth rate of 6.4%. Port Said East has had a remarkable few months-throughput in 2Q25 was 50% higher than last year, with the East Mediterranean hub benefitting from both the recovery in volumes following the Red Sea diversions and increased support from the new Gemini partnership.
Drewry’s Global Container Port Throughput Index increased 1.4% MoM and 5.4% YoY in May. Meanwhile, the rolling 12-month average growth rate for global port handling remained steady at 6.5% for the third month in a row. The Middle East and South Asia region is leading the way in YTD growth, with volumes up 9.2%. North America and Greater China are not too far behind, at 7.7% and 6.9%, respectively. Oceania remains the only region reporting a decline, with May YTD throughput falling 2.6%.
- The Greater China Container Port Throughput Index softened slightly in May 2025, falling 0.4% MoM to 124.9 points, but up 4.5% YoY. The 12-month average growth rate in Greater China fell to 6.3%, just below the global average. The largest ports in the region continue to experience robust growth, with the top 5 ports up 7.2% YoY on average in May. Shanghai in particular had a good month, with volumes surging 10.2% YoY.
- The North American Container Port Throughput Index fell 8.0% MoM in May to 109.3 points, but was up 2.7% YoY. The rolling 12-month average growth rate reduced slightly, but remained in double digits, at 10.1%. Volumes at the major west coast ports slid back in May due to impact of the US government’s ’Liberation Day’ tariffs. Throughput at Long Beach slumped 26.3% MoM (down 8.2% YoY) while at Los Angeles it fell 15% MoM (down 4.8% YoY). Volumes also fell 10.4% YoY at Manzanillo, 9.6% YoY at Seattle and 0.3% YoY at Oakland. Only Vancouver and Lazaro Cardenas bucked the trend, with volumes rising 13.9% YoY and 12.6% YoY, respectively.
- The European Container Port Throughput Index rose 3.7% MoM in May, up 5.3% YoY to 113.7 points. The rolling 12-month average growth rate increased to 5.4%, remaining below the global average of 6.5%. Port Said East reported record-breaking throughput in May 2025-volumes for surged 20% MoM, up over 50% YoY, with YTD throughput at the East Med hub 18% higher than last year.
Drewry’s Global Container Port Throughput Index increased 0.5% MoM and 5.6% YoY in April. Meanwhile, the rolling 12-month growth rate for global port handling remained steady at 6.5%. On a YTD (Jan-Apr) basis, port volumes have risen most strongly in North America (+9.7%) and the Middle East and South Asia (+9.6%), with Greater China (+7.5%) not too far behind. Oceania remains the only region reporting a decline, with throughput falling 3.1% YTD.
- The Greater China Container Port Throughput Index increased 2.3% MoM to 125.4 points in April, up 7.1% YoY, while the 12-month average growth rate rose to 6.5%-matching the global average. The largest ports in the region continue to experience strong throughput growth-with the top 5 ports up 10% YoY on average in April. Shenzhen stands out, with volumes up 15% YoY, followed by Guangzhou (+10.3% YoY) and Ningbo (+9.1% YoY).
- The North American Container Port Throughput Index rose 2.2% MoM in April to 118.4 points, up 10.3% YoY. The rolling 12-month average growth rate recovered slightly, rising to 10.2%. Volumes at most major USWC ports rose in April, both on MoM and YoY basis. Long Beach continued its strong start to 2025 with April throughput up 6.1% MoM/15.6% YoY. Los Angeles also did well, with handling up 8.3% MoM/9.4% YoY.
- In contrast, the Latin America Container Port Throughput Index fell 3.2% MoM in April, but remained up 2.8% on an annual basis. The rolling 12-month average growth rate decreased to 9.0%, which although still well above the global average of 6.5% indicates a loss of momentum in this regional market. After the surge in March, throughput at the five Panama terminals fell 5% MoM in April, which was just 1.5% above April 2024 level. Volumes at Santos port were flat MoM, but up 2% YoY in April, and despite 11% MoM decline reported at Callao, volumes remain 11% ahead on YoY basis.
Drewry’s Global Container Port Throughput Index increased 3.4% MoM and 6.6% YoY in March to reach an all-time high of 119.9 points. Meanwhile, the rolling 12-month average growth rate for global port handling remained steady at 6.4%.
- For 1Q25, North America recorded the most growth in throughput, up 9.0% YoY, closely followed by the Middle East & South Asia region at 8.3% and Greater China at 7.7%. Oceania remains the only region reporting a decline, with 1Q25 throughput falling 4.5% YoY.
- The Greater China Container Port Throughput Index increased 8.4% MoM to 122.6 points in March, up 8.7% YoY, while the 12-month average growth rate in Greater China rose to 6.3%. There has been a strong start to the year across many of the largest ports with 1Q25 throughput at Shenzhen rising over 17% YoY, and volumes Ningbo up by more than 10%. Container throughput at Qingdao and Guangzhou grew by 7.4% and 7.0%, respectively, and Shanghai rounds out the Top 5 with 6.1% YoY growth.
- The North American Container Port Throughput Index rose just 1.0% MoM in March to 118.0 points, but was up by a significant 12.9% YoY suggesting front-loading of cargo to avoid tariffs. The rolling 12-month average growth rate decreased slightly to 10.2%. Volumes at major USWC ports have been robust in 1Q25 with throughput at Los Angeles rising 8.7% and at Long Beach surging 26.6% YoY. Seattle saw a 19% increase, while Oakland experienced a 6.3% YoY rise in 1Q25 volumes.
- The Middle East and South Asia Container Port Throughput Index increased 0.7% in March, up 7.7% YoY, while the 12-month rolling average growth rate rose to 4.7%. Ports in the Gulf have seen volumes growing strongly with 1Q25 throughput at Jebel Ali up 10% YoY, Saudi’s Dammam port up 18.4% and Qatar’s Hamad port up 6.4%. Indian port volumes have likewise had a good first quarter - Mundra’s throughput increased 11.6% YoY, Jawaharlal Nehru Port’s rose 14.4% and Chennai’s 16.2%.
Drewry’s Global Container Port Throughput Index decreased -1.4% MoM in February, but was 8.8% higher YoY. The rolling 12-month average growth rate for global port handling rose slightly to 6.5%.
- Drewry’s Nowcasting model indicates a likely rise of 2.8% MoM in Global Port Throughput Index in March 2025, equating to a 6.5% YoY increase.
- The Greater China Container Port Throughput Index plunged -9.2% MoM to 113.1 points in February, but on an annual basis rose 12.8% YoY. Having started 2025 with record volumes in January, throughput slumped across the board in February due to the two week CNY holidays. As a result, volumes were down -22% MoM at Shanghai, -27% MoM at Ningbo and 16% at Shenzhen.
- The European Container Port Throughput Index surged 6.9% in February to 111.5 points, the highest level in over two years, while the rolling 12-month average growth rate improved to 5.9%, just behind the global average of 6.5%. In Southern Europe, the main Spanish ports had a very mixed February as changes to alliance schedules started to take effect. Volumes at Valencia, which is heavily utilised by MSC, rose 8.3% MoM and were up 15% YoY, while at Algeciras they fell -6.0% MoM dropping -16.9% YoY with the new Gemini cooperation services favouring Tanger Med for transhipment.
- The Middle East and South Asia Container Port Throughput Index increased 0.4% in February, up 9.7% YoY. Low growth was mainly due to reduction in Indian port volumes in February with throughput at Mundra decreasing -16% MoM, Chennai traffic dropping -14% and Jawaharlal Nehru Port box handling falling -3%. Colombo throughput was also down -8% MoM.
Drewry’s Global Container Port Throughput Index increased 3.0% MoM in January, and at 117.8 points was up 8.3% YoY. The rolling 12-month growth rate for global port handling rose slightly to 6.2%.
- According to Drewry’s Nowcast model, the Global Port Throughput Index is anticipated to have fallen -2.1% MoM in February 2025.
- The Greater China Container Port Throughput Index jumped 9.4% MoM to 127.0 points in January 2025, up 7.6% YoY. The major Chinese ports started 2025 with a bang. Throughput at the world’s largest container port- Shanghai - surged 21.3% to a record 5.0 mteu in January, 11.1% higher than last year. Ningbo also saw record volumes, up 22.1% MoM.
- The North American Container Port Throughput Index rose 1.2% MoM in January to 112.1 points, up 10.0% YoY with strong growth reported at USWC ports. The European Container Port Throughput Index rose 2.5% in January to 101.9 points, up 9.0% YoY.
- The Middle East and South Asia Container Port Throughput Index increased 1.0% in January. Volumes were up 14.0% YoY due to low base- noting that January 2024 was the first month to be heavily impacted by the newly imposed Red Sea diversions. Volumes at Qatar’s Hamad Port were up by more than 20% YoY in January 2025, with strong growth also reported by Mundra (+25.1%), JNPT (+23.2%), Chennai (+23.6%) and Karachi (+23.1%).
Drewry’s Global Container Port Throughput Index decreased -2.0% MoM in December, but at 113.7 points was 5.4% higher YoY. The rolling 12-month growth rate for global port handling rose to 6.1%.
- According to Drewry’s Nowcast model, the Global Port Throughput Index is anticipated to have fallen -1.8% MoM in January 2025.
- The Greater China Container Port Throughput Index fell -4.5% MoM to 114.9 points in December, up 3.4% YoY. Volume growth in 4Q24 was muted compared to the prior year, apart from Ningbo, which handled an exceptional 21.6% more cargo than 4Q23.
- The North American Container Port Throughput Index fell -3.4% MoM in December to 111.2 points, up 10.5% YoY. The rolling 12-month average growth rate increased slightly to 10.6%.
Drewry’s Global Container Port Throughput Index increased 1.6% MoM and 4.0% YoY in November. Chinese ports saw volumes increase by 4.0% MoM and 3.1% YoY as traffic increased before the holiday period. North American ports saw a large increase in volume as well, up 3.2% MoM, extending annual gains to 12.7% YoY. The rolling 12-month growth rate for NA increased to 10.4%, nearly double the global growth of 5.6%. European ports saw the only decline in volume, down -2.5% MoM.