Summary
Container Trades Statistics reported record global container volumes in August alongside freight pricing at a more than two-year high. US import demand is easing from an unusually extended peak, although full-year volumes are still forecast to rise modestly. In the Philippines, an empty-container dispute has paused one protest, but Hapag-Lloyd has suspended new bookings to Manila, Batangas and Subic Bay through year-end. Chinese ports maintained operations during Golden Week as a transport ministry bulletin warned of strong winds and thunderstorms in southern waters.
Key Updates
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Container Trades Statistics said global container liftings reached 17.46 million TEU in August, up 3.7% year over year, while the first eight months rose 4.7%. Its global price index climbed to 117, the highest since July 2024. Asia export growth and Gulf route disruption are supporting pricing, though slower monthly growth leaves demand and rate momentum into Q4 uncertain.
Source: Global container volumes hit record 17.46 million TEUsThe National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates say the unusually long US import peak is beginning to ease. Major ports handled 2.3 million TEU in August, down 0.7% year over year; the report forecasts 25.8 million TEU for 2026, up 1.4% from 2025. Importers can adjust replenishment plans while accounting for October volume still forecast 8.5% above last year.
Source: Import cargo’s extended peak season wrapping upThe Loadstar, citing a Maersk market update, reports that customs changes in the US, Mexico and Europe are coinciding with post-Golden Week schedule adjustments. US importer identity checks, Mexico’s electronic customs valuation filing and EU customs reforms raise documentation demands, while weather disruption and capacity adjustments in Asia continue to affect ocean schedules and selected airfreight lanes.
Source: Customs updates add a 'compliance burden' to potentially volatile Q4 for shippersA Philippine customs brokers’ group paused its planned digital protest after port operators began continuously accepting empty containers for export. PortCalls said Manila South Harbor truck transactions stayed within the normal daily range from October 5 to 7, although empty evacuation and yard-space concerns remain. A separate trucking holiday was scheduled to end on October 8.
Source: Manila ports ‘digital’ protest, trucking holiday endCiting port congestion and limits on empty-container depots and returns, Hapag-Lloyd suspended new bookings to Manila, Batangas and Subic Bay, effective immediately through December 31, 2026. Shippers with cargo in transit should confirm case-specific arrangements with the carrier; new shipments need prompt review of alternative gateways, transshipment options and inland costs.
Source: Hapag-Lloyd suspends Manila, Batangas, Subic bookings over congestionPeople’s Daily reported that Yangshan Phase IV handled more than 79,000 TEU in the first three days of the holiday, while Qinzhou’s automated terminal operated around the clock. Qinzhou’s October 1–7 throughput was forecast at 45,000 TEU. With the Pinglu Canal now open, rail-water cargo from Yunnan and Guizhou can move south toward ASEAN, with fewer transfer steps expected as river-sea berths are built.
Source: 港口繁忙，外贸活力澎湃涌动People.cn’s Jiangsu channel reported that Zhangjiagang Maritime Safety Administration supported 2,452 calls by large restricted vessels in the first three quarters. Cape-size vessels above 150,000 tonnes accounted for 432 calls, up 4.8% year over year; supported coal, grain and ore movements totaled 18.94 million, 6.08 million and 34.70 million tonnes, respectively. Smart maritime monitoring and port coordination helped reduce waiting time.
Source: 前三季度张家港港开普型重载船舶进出港432艘次 同比增长4.8%A China Meteorological Administration bulletin carried by the Ministry of Transport on October 7 forecast 6–7 force winds, gusting to force 8, in the Taiwan Strait, Bashi Channel and northeastern South China Sea through the evening of October 8. It also forecast brief 8–10 force thunderstorm gusts east of the Leizhou Peninsula, in Qiongzhou Strait and around eastern and southern Hainan. Vessels and marine operations should monitor weather windows and port schedules.
Source: 2026年10月7日18时海洋天气公报DH Logistics View
- Global volume and pricing indicators are firm, but local conditions diverge: the US peak is easing while empty-container and yard constraints have led to a booking suspension at Philippine ports. Shippers should assess market-wide rates separately from port, carrier and equipment conditions at destination.
- Continuous operations at Chinese ports support resilience, while weather alerts in southern waters and the post-holiday cargo restart may still affect individual schedules. For time-sensitive shipments, preserve a buffer and confirm port, sailing and transshipment plans before optimizing for price alone.
Planning Notes
- For cargo bound for Manila, Batangas or Subic Bay, confirm booking status, alternative gateways and destination inland costs with the carrier immediately.
- US importers should review importer identity records and ACE access; Mexico-bound shipments should confirm the contracts, invoices and payment records supporting electronic customs valuation filings.
- For sailings or port operations near the Taiwan Strait, Bashi Channel and South China Sea, monitor current marine forecasts and confirm port-call windows with the carrier.
Sources
View sources (8)
- International · Industry mediaGlobal container volumes hit record 17.46 million TEUsFreightWaves · 2026-10-08
- International · Industry mediaImport cargo’s extended peak season wrapping upAmerican Journal of Transportation (AJOT) · 2026-10-08
- International · Industry mediaCustoms updates add a 'compliance burden' to potentially volatile Q4 for shippersThe Loadstar · 2026-10-08
- International · Industry mediaManila ports ‘digital’ protest, trucking holiday endPortCalls Asia · 2026-10-08
- International · Industry mediaHapag-Lloyd suspends Manila, Batangas, Subic bookings over congestionPortCalls Asia · 2026-10-08
- China · Industry media港口繁忙，外贸活力澎湃涌动人民日报 / 人民网 · 2026-10-08
- China · Industry media前三季度张家港港开普型重载船舶进出港432艘次 同比增长4.8%人民网江苏频道 · 2026-10-08
- China · Official institution2026年10月7日18时海洋天气公报中华人民共和国交通运输部 / 中央气象台 · 2026-10-07