Container Index: Global trade impacted by international tensions

The Container Throughput Index, jointly compiled by the RWI – Leibniz Institute for Economic Research and the Institute for Maritime Economics and Logistics (ISL), rose to a seasonally adjusted 133.1 points in January, up from a revised 128.9 points in the previous month, according to the latest flash estimate. While this increase compensates for the decline observed in December, overall container throughput has remained stagnant since last summer.

Key Highlights:

• The Container Throughput Index from RWI and ISL increased to a seasonally adjusted 133.1 points in January, compared to a revised 128.9 points in December.
• The North Range Index, which provides insights into economic developments in northern Europe and Germany, showed a significant rise from a revised 106.1 points to 110.9 points in January.
• Container throughput at Chinese ports recorded a slight increase, reaching 141.5 points (revised) compared to 143.0 points in the previous month.
• The next release of the RWI/ISL Container Throughput Index for February 2025 is scheduled for March 27, 2025.

RWI's Chief Economist Torsten Schmidt commented on the development of the index: "Container throughput is currently heavily influenced by international tensions. The potential tariffs proposed by the new U.S. administration, among other factors, are hindering a further recovery of global trade."

Source: RWI, Photo: Fotolia