Drewry’s Global Container Port Throughput Index fell by 1.4% month-on-month (MoM) in February but remained 8.8% higher compared to the same month last year.
The rolling 12-month average growth rate edged up to 6.5%, reflecting continued recovery in global port activity. According to Drewry’s Nowcasting model, the Index is expected to rise by 2.8% MoM in March 2025, translating into a 6.5% year-on-year (YoY) increase.
In Greater China, the Container Port Throughput Index dropped sharply by 9.2% MoM to 113.1 points in February. However, on an annual basis, the index recorded a strong 12.8% YoY increase. The steep monthly decline follows record-breaking volumes in January and is primarily attributed to the two-week Chinese New Year (CNY) holiday. Major Chinese ports saw significant drops in throughput: Shanghai declined 22% MoM, Ningbo 27%, and Shenzhen 16%.
Europe saw contrasting dynamics. The European Container Port Throughput Index rose by 6.9% in February, reaching 111.5 points — the highest level in over two years. The region’s rolling 12-month average growth rate improved to 5.9%, just shy of the global average. Southern Europe presented a mixed picture due to changes in alliance schedules. In Spain, Valencia — a key hub for MSC — saw an 8.3% MoM increase in volumes and a 15% YoY rise. Meanwhile, Algeciras experienced a 6.0% MoM decline and a sharp 16.9% YoY drop, as the new Gemini cooperation services began favoring Tanger Med for transshipment operations.
In the Middle East and South Asia, the Container Port Throughput Index posted a modest 0.4% MoM gain in February but was up 9.7% YoY. Growth in the region was muted due to a decline in Indian port activity. Throughput fell 16% MoM at Mundra, 14% at Chennai, and 3% at Jawaharlal Nehru Port. Colombo also saw an 8% MoM decline.
