Global container volumes are projected to increase at a modest rate, ranging between 0% and 1% in 2023 and more substantially by 3% to 4% in both 2024 and 2025, as per the latest market research conducted by Bimco. Anticipated figures indicate that combined head-haul and regional trade volumes will outpace total volumes by 0.5% in 2023 and 2025 while aligning with total volumes in 2024.“The third quarter of 2023 saw a more favourable performance in volumes, particularly in back-haul and regional trades, surpassing earlier predictions. Consequently, the forecast for the fourth quarter has been adjusted upward, resulting in a 0.5% increase in the overall expectations for the full year,” said chief analyst Niels Rasmussen.Looking ahead, the growth forecast for all trades in 2024 remains consistent at 3% to 4%. However, there is a slight adjustment for head-haul and regional trades, which have been revised downward by 0.5%, now ranging between 3% and 4%.In parallel, the International Monetary Fund foresees a decline in global economic growth, projecting a decrease from 3.5% in 2022 to 3% in 2023. Subsequent growth forecasts stand at 2.9% for 2024 and 3.2% for 2025.Rasmussen attributes the lower growth forecasts for 2024 and 2025 to a subdued economic outlook for both China and the US compared to 2023. Conversely, optimism surrounds the Europe and Mediterranean region, expected to recover and achieve growth exceeding 2% by 2025.
