The Loadstar Podcast with Container Trades Statistics: Unpacking 2025

Global container shipping had a rollercoaster year in 2025, and the numbers tell a fascinating story.

In this episode of The Loadstar Podcast, host Charlotte Goldstone is joined by CEO of Container Trades Statistics (CTS) Nigel Pusey and The Loadstar’s managing editor, Gavin van Marle, to break down the biggest shifts in volumes, pricing, and tradelanes over last year.

From surging intra-Asia and Far East-Europe growth to a sharp decline on the transpacific, the trio unpack how tariffs, geopolitics, and the China+1 strategy reshaped global flows. They dive into why freight rates fell nearly 20% year on year, despite strong demand, where peak season really showed up, and how secondary trades quietly stole into the spotlight.

Plus, there’s a scorecard moment as past predictions are put to the test, and some bold new forecasts are made for 2026 that may – or may not – age well.

Data-driven, opinionated, and refreshingly honest, this is essential listening for anyone trying to make sense of today’s container markets.

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