Uptick of global container volumes continues
September was a strong month for global container volumes according to the container throughput index compiled by the German research body Rheinisch-Westfälisches Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung (RWI - Leibniz) and the Institute of Shipping Economics and Logistics (ISL).
The consolidated figures for the month under review saw a marked surge from 128.5 to 129.7 points, a stronger uptick than originally predicted. Since the beginning of the year, the index has won six points. In addition, the world trade will continue to grow according to these forecasts.
The analysis for September is based on the figures of 45 ports which represent about 80% of the throughput the index covers. The index itself is based on data from 81 world container ports that are continuously monitored by the ISL as part of its general market analysis that covers about 60% of worldwide container handling.
Given that most of the international merchandise is transported by ship, the volume of container handling activities provides reliable indicators about the state of world trade. The October figures will be published on 21 November. (kd)