RWI Container Index: Mixed trends as European ports recover

The RWI/ISL Container Throughput Index, developed by the RWI – Leibniz Institute for Economic Research and the Institute of Shipping Economics and Logistics (ISL), remained nearly unchanged in November at a seasonally adjusted 131.9 points, according to the latest flash estimate. However, notable regional disparities persisted, with European ports showing strong growth and Chinese ports experiencing a significant decline.

Key Highlights:

• The Container Throughput Index recorded a seasonally adjusted 131.9 points in November, nearly the same as the revised 131.8 points from the previous month.
• The North Range Index, an indicator of economic activity in northern Europe and Germany, rose sharply from 114.5 points (revised) in October to 115.9 points in November.
• In contrast, container throughput at Chinese ports declined significantly from 142.2 points in October to 141.1 points in November.

Outlook: The next update of the RWI/ISL Container Throughput Index, covering December 2024, is scheduled for release on January 31, 2025.

Analysis: RWI’s Head of Economic Research, Torsten Schmidt, commented, "Container throughput remained weak in November, driven primarily by a continued decline in Chinese ports since August. In contrast, European ports are experiencing a sustained recovery."

Source: RWI, Photo: Fotolia