SIMIC

According to figures from Container Trade Statistics (CTS) global container import and exports dropped to 14.3 million TEU in January, compared to 15.2 million TEU in December 2020, and a high of 15.4 million TEU in October last year.

However, while volumes fell in January supply challenges including severe congestion at US West Coast ports saw the global price index jump to 109 points in January 2021 compared to 93 points in December 2020. Year on year the price index was up 51.4 per cent from 72 points in January 2020.

Looking at specific trades according to CTS the Far East Europe price index increased 100.6 per cent year on year in January to 150 points compared to 75 points in January 2020. For the transpacific from the Far East to North America the increase was less pronounced at 33.7 per cent at 122 points compared to 91 points in the same month a year earlier, according to Seatrade Maritime News, Colchester, UK.