The latest volume figures from Container Trade Statistics show that trade slowed significantly in September on the westbound Asia-Europe trade.
Volume reached 1.1 million TEUs during the month, a 0.2 percent increase on September 2010. For the third quarter, westbound Asia-Europe volume grew 4.1 percent, to 3.7 million TEUs, the lowest growth of any quarter this year.
Eastbound Europe-to-Asia trade has been more robust, growing 11 percent in September (to 504,900 TEUs) and 9.8 percent for the third quarter (to 1.5 million TEUs).
U.S. export volumes to Europe also faltered in September, declining 2.1 percent, to 221,800 TEUs. For the third quarter, eastbound transatlantic volumes grew 2.5 percent, to 690,900 TEUs. Westbound on the transatlantic, volume grew 8.9 percent in September, to 282,200 TEUs, nearly mirroring growth for the quarter, which was 8.5 percent, to 871,600 TEUs.
“With just one exception, volumes on all monitored trades in and out of Europe were weaker in September compared with August,” CTS said. “But most trades continued to be stronger year on year.”
CTS is the trade information organization borne out of the demise of the European Liner Affairs Association, which shuttered after the European Commission banned liner shipping conferences to and from Europe.
Europe imports lag in September
