After remaining stable for two months in a row during March and April 2019, the global Drewry Container Port Throughput Index increased by three points (2.2%) in May 2019. However, on an annual basis the growth was lower at just 1.1% (1.5 points). A decrease in global growth and tariff war issues were the main factors that affected the index.
The leading world region (China) along with Asia, achieved around 2.5% monthly increase in May 2019. Both also managed to achieve an annual increase, however for Asia (excluding China) was much less at 0.6% compared to a 2.2% for China.
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What is more, North America saw the largest 4.0% monthly increase in May 2019, while the annual increase was half of that at 2.1%. The May 2019 index figure for Latin America was 2.3% more in comparison to April 2019, but 2% down compared to May 2018. This was the only area with an annual decline, reflecting the economic issues in Brazil.
As for Europe, it had a monthly increase that was lower than the annual increase. Annually it was around 3% (3.5 points) in May 2019, with the monthly increase being slightly less than 1%.
Finally, after experiencing the largest monthly increase of five points in April, Africa experienced a 3.4% monthly fall in May 2019. It also saw the largest annual decline (11.4%). The fact is however, that the index is based on a relatively small sample, Drewry noted.
