Global container port throughput reached a new all-time high in March 2025, as Drewry’s latest Container Port Throughput Index hit 119.9 points, up 3.4% month-on-month and 6.6% year-on-year. The data, based on over 340 ports worldwide and adjusted to January 2019 as the base (100), highlights shifting trade patterns and regional divergences in cargo handling performance.
Drewry’s rolling 12-month average growth rate remained solid at 6.4%, showing continued resilience in global shipping demand, despite geopolitical and economic uncertainties. The gains were driven largely by North America, Greater China, and South Asia, while Oceania continued to lag.
North America Surges Ahead on Tariff Concerns
The North American Container Port Throughput Index rose to 118.0 in March, up only 1.0% from February, but showing a steep 12.9% year-on-year increase—suggesting shippers may be moving early to avoid potential tariff changes. The region’s 12-month rolling growth averaged 10.2%, slightly down but still one of the strongest globally.
Ports along the U.S. West Coast posted robust throughput growth in the first quarter. Long Beach volumes surged by 26.6% year-on-year, while Port of Seattle handled 19% more containers than in Q1 2024. Port of Los Angeles saw an 8.7% increase, and Port of Oakland volumes rose by 6.3%, adding to signs of early peak-season demand.
Greater China Sees Broad-Based Growth
The Greater China Container Port Throughput Index climbed 8.4% month-on-month in March to 122.6 points—an 8.7% year-on-year gain. Drewry’s data points to a strong start across major Chinese gateways.
Port of Shenzhen led the way with a 17% year-on-year increase in Q1 2025. Ningbo handled over 10% more volume compared to the same period last year, while Qingdao and Guangzhou reported throughput growth of 7.4% and 7.0%, respectively. Shanghai, the region’s top container hub, recorded a more modest but still significant 6.1% increase.
The 12-month rolling average growth in the region now stands at 6.3%, as Chinese ports continue to benefit from stabilizing export demand and resilient regional trade.
Middle East and South Asia Drive Expansion
Drewry’s data shows the Middle East and South Asia Container Port Throughput Index up 0.7% in March and 7.7% compared to March 2024. The region’s rolling 12-month growth rose to 4.7%, as key Gulf and Indian subcontinent ports handled increasing volumes.
In the Gulf, Jebel Ali recorded a 10% year-on-year increase in Q1 2025. Dammam Port in Saudi Arabia jumped 18.4%, while Hamad Port in Qatar rose 6.4%.
On the Indian side, performance was equally strong. Mundra Port saw an 11.6% rise in container volumes. Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT) recorded a 14.4% gain, while Chennai reported a remarkable 16.2% increase, driven by improving hinterland connectivity and rising export activity.
Oceania Slips While Other Regions Hold Steady
In contrast, Oceania was the only region reporting a year-on-year decline in Q1 2025, with throughput falling 4.5%. The drop reflects both weaker import demand and ongoing capacity constraints at certain Australian terminals.
Other regions remained relatively stable. While exact figures for Europe, Africa, and Latin America were not disclosed in this update, Drewry notes that their performance remained in line with global averages, supported by steady demand recovery and stabilized trade flows.
AIS-Powered Nowcasting Enhances Predictive Accuracy
Drewry’s container port index is powered by a nowcasting model that uses proprietary AIS data, combining vessel capacity and terminal duration to estimate near-real-time port activity. This approach allows for quicker detection of volume shifts, offering shipping lines, freight forwarders, and port authorities more timely insights.
As of March, the index’s historic high signals not just a rebound but potentially a shift in global shipping behavior—with front-loading, port diversification, and regional infrastructure investments shaping throughput dynamics.
Source: drewry
