Container throughput rose globally in May, powered by resilient trade flows in Asia and Europe, while U.S. ports faced a pronounced decline tied to shifting tariff policies and weakening import demand.
According to Drewry’s latest Global Container Port Throughput Index, port activity increased 1.4% from April and 5.4% year-over-year, signaling robust momentum across most global maritime centers. The rolling 12-month average growth rate held steady at 6.5% for the third consecutive month, underscoring a sustained recovery in global trade volumes.
China Stays Steady, Shanghai Surges
While the Greater China Index edged down 0.4% month-over-month to 124.9 points, the region posted a 4.5% year-over-year increase in volume. Notably, Shanghai, the region’s busiest container port, saw an impressive 10.2% rise in throughput versus May 2024, leading growth among China’s top five ports, which averaged 7.2% year-over-year gains.
U.S. Ports Hit by Tariff Pressures
North American ports, by contrast, struggled under the weight of ongoing trade turbulence. The region’s container port index dropped 8% month-over-month to 109.3 points. The sharp decline was largely attributed to the effects of recently enacted tariffs under the U.S. administration’s April “Liberation Day” announcements.
Major West Coast ports bore the brunt. Long Beach volumes plunged 26.3% from April and 8.2% year-over-year, while Los Angeles saw a 15% month-over-month drop and a 4.8% annual decline. Throughput also fell in Seattle (-9.6% y/y) and Manzanillo, Mexico (-10.4% y/y).
However, not all North American gateways saw losses. Vancouver, Canada, and Lazaro Cardenas, Mexico, both posted strong year-over-year growth of 13.9% and 12.6%, respectively, signaling potential shifts in routing and sourcing strategies.
Europe Holds Firm, Port Said Breaks Records
Europe’s port activity remained strong, with throughput rising 3.7% from April and 5.3% year-over-year to 113.7 points. While the region’s 12-month growth average (5.4%) trails the global benchmark, it reflects steady recovery and growing intra-European demand.
Port Said East stood out, surging 20% month-over-month and over 50% year-over-year, achieving a record volume in May 2025. Year-to-date, the East Mediterranean port reported throughput 18% higher than 2024 levels, bolstering its role as a critical transshipment hub.
Outlook
As the global shipping industry continues to navigate shifting trade policies, labor disruptions, and reconfigured sourcing strategies, regions less impacted by tariffs are seeing more sustained growth. U.S. ports, meanwhile, are facing mounting pressure to adapt, as importers explore alternative routing options and respond to rapidly changing policy landscapes.
