Container throughput in the Far East rose by 4-5 per cent during the first half of 2025, exceeding 66.7 million TEU, according to preliminary figures from Container Trades Statistics, reported Container News.

Export growth outpaced imports, widening the trade imbalance by 3.2 million TEU to 22.8 million TEU compared to the same period in 2024, DynaLiners reported.

Intra-Far East cargo rose 4 per cent, while exports from the region grew by 2.5 million TEU. All trade corridors posted at least moderate gains.

Sub-Saharan Africa saw the highest percentage increase at 24 per cent, adding 416,000 TEU, though Europe contributed the largest absolute volume growth with 778,000 additional TEU.

The Indian Subcontinent added 652,000 TEU, surpassing Africa's physical growth despite a lower percentage rise, DynaLiners noted.

Imports to the Far East fell by over six per cent, with Australasia the only region to buck the trend, posting nearly four per cent growth and adding 36,000 TEU.

North America recorded the steepest decline at nine per cent, losing 304,000 TEU, followed closely by Europe in both percentage and volume terms.