What were February 2024 global container volumes?

15.04 million TEU, up 12-13% YoY per CTS—strongest in five years despite seasonal dip.

Will Middle East conflicts crash shipping rates?

No—likely spike them short-term via reroutes, then volatility as capacity adjusts; history says +50-100% peaks.

Signs point yes: falling rates amid high volumes, 4.3% capacity growth outpacing 1.7% liftings at OOCL.

Box volumes are crushing five-year averages. Yet freight rates keep sliding, and war drums are beating louder—supply chain pros, buckle up.

Supply Chain Beat Apr 11, 2026 4 min read

Global container volumes hit 15m TEU in Feb, +12% YoY, beating 5-year norms. 𝕏
Freight rates softening to 74 index amid oversupply fears, despite demand surge. 𝕏
Geopolitical risks in Middle East threaten volatility, echoing 2022 Ukraine disruptions. 𝕏

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#container volumes #freight rates #geopolitical instability #geopolitical risks #global trade #shipping demand #shipping rates #shipping surge #supply chain demand

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Originally reported by The Loadstar