THE latest container volume figures from Container Trades Statistics shine a harsh spotlight on the ongoing collapse in demand in the sector.

September liftings of 13.5m teu mark a 9.5% monthly decline from August and an 8.5% annualised fall from September 2021. Year to date, volumes are now down 2.3% on the past year.

“The global market has clearly changed,” CTS said. “The release of market pressure is easing congestion in both ports and supply chains. The challenge for all watchers of the market is understanding where the next floor or normalisation will occur.”