Asia to Europe container exports reached 1.88m TEU in January, representing a 6% year-on-year increase and marking the third straight month of growth, according to the report by Container News, citing analysis by the Japan Maritime Center using Container Trades Statistics data.

The figures highlight a deepening structural imbalance in the Asia-Europe trade lane. Strong outbound volumes from Asia continue to contrast sharply with weaker inbound cargo flows from European ports.

As reported by Container Management, exports from Asia to Western and Eastern Mediterranean destination ports grew at nearly three times the rate of Northern Europe, traditionally the dominant destination. By origin, Southeast Asia recorded the fastest growth, with volumes rising by nearly 9%. China, Hong Kong, and other parts of Northeast Asia similarly recorded positive but smaller year-on-year gains.

Meanwhile, container imports from Europe to Asia declined for the second consecutive month, falling by nearly -8% year-over-year. By origin, shipments from Northern Europe and the Western Mediterranean dropped by as much as -15%. Eastern Mediterranean origins were the exception, recording 4% growth. By destination, Southeast Asia experienced the largest decline, with imports down by more than -10%, while China recorded single-digit decreases.

Source: Container News, Container Management