RWI/ISL Container Throughput Index: Container throughput continues upward trend

According to the latest flash estimate by the RWI - Leibniz Institute for Economic Research and the Institute of Shipping Economics and Logistics (ISL), the Container Throughput Index rose slightly in April to a seasonally adjusted 128.8 points compared to the previous month. In the European ports, container throughput fell by just under 8 per cent compared to the previous month. This means that it has lost a large part of the strong increase in the previous month.

The most important facts in brief:

• The Container Throughput Index of the RWI - Leibniz Institute for Economic Research and the Institute of Shipping Economics and Logistics (ISL) rose to a seasonally adjusted 128.8 points in April compared to 128.1 points (revised) in the previous month.
• The North Range Index, which provides an indication of economic development in the northern eurozone and Germany, fell sharply in April compared to the previous month from 115.2 (revised) to 106.1 points. Overall, however, container throughput still points to a gradual recovery in Europe.
• In the Chinese ports, on the other hand, container throughput rose quite significantly from 139.2 points in the previous month to 143.5 points.

The RWI/ISL Container Throughput Index for May 2024 will be published on 26 June 2024.

Commenting on the development of the Container Throughput Index, RWI Chief Economist Torsten Schmidt says: ‘Container throughput is back close to its long-term trend. This means that global trade has also overcome the recent burdens. However, in view of the global geopolitical and trade tensions, the potential for a stronger increase is low.’

Source and Photo: RWI