Present global container traffic trends offer some hope that the industry could achieve a sense of balance two years out, dependent on further quiet in vessel ordering.
The first half was spotty, thereby consistent with economic trends, but delivered growth of 4.9% overall, according to Container Statistics. June was clocked at a relatively upbeat rate of 7.3%. Because of the slack in the system, the growth did little for rate levels, which continued to drag along the bottom, achieving 85% of the January 2013 index.
North America, which struggled through an extended winter, showed an increase in exports of 4.3% in June, while imports were up 3.8%.
