The 660,000 TEU Shock Hitting Global Trade
Demand is still growing. But the network is getting more fragile.
Global container trade is not collapsing.
According to CTS, April volumes were up 4.3% year on year.
But one crisis is now big enough to change the global picture.
The Middle East Gulf shock wiped out around 660,000 TEU in April alone.
That is about 4% of worldwide throughput.
So, the real question is not: Is demand weak?
It is: How fragile is the network behind that demand?
Because 2026 is not showing a demand crisis.
It is showing a network-risk warning.
Here are 10 signals container shipping CEOs should not ignore:
1. The Gulf is now the biggest volume drag
💡Middle East Gulf disruption removed around 660,000 TEU in April alone.