Mixed Signals Ahead of Peak Shipping Season: Strong Volumes Now, Softer Weeks Forecasted

As the peak shipping season approaches, current container traffic shows resilience, though forward indicators suggest a potential slowdown in the weeks ahead.

According to the Port of Los Angeles Port Optimizer, import volumes for July 13–19 are expected to reach 128,720 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), marking an 8.68% increase from the previous week and a 13.23% gain year-over-year. This upswing signals continued strength in near-term U.S.-bound imports from Asia.

Looking ahead, however, projections point to softer activity. For the week of July 20–26, the Port anticipates 120,072 TEUs—a 6.72% week-over-week decline and 11.47% lower than the same period last year. The week of July 27–August 2 is currently forecasted at 78,025 TEUs, reflecting a 35.02% drop from the prior week and down 22.10% year-over-year.

Similarly, the SONAR Inbound Ocean TEUs Volume Index tracking container bookings from China to the U.S. has eased to 929.53 as of Monday. This index represents the volume of containerized freight being booked with ocean carriers and third-party logistics providers.

Despite these softening indicators, global container traffic remains historically high.

According to Container Trade Statistics, global volumes hit a new monthly record in May at 16.34 million TEUs, surpassing the previous high of 16.31 million in March.

May also saw a 3% year-over-year increase in total exports from the Far East region—the strongest global growth—fueled by robust shipments to Europe.

While exports to North and South America dipped from April, North American import activity remains positive year-to-date, up 2% through May, despite a 9% decline in May alone. Europe, by contrast, posted a strong 10% year-over-year gain in import container volume.

Source: www.freightwaves.com