Recent analysis by Danish shipping consultancy Sea‑Intelligence shows that approximately 30% of global container transport miles are currently spent moving empty containers. In other words, for every three containers shipped worldwide, one is empty.
This represents a notable increase compared with pre-pandemic levels. In 2019, empty container transport accounted for roughly 24% of global container mileage; today it has risen to around 30%, marking a new high in recent years.
Why are empty containers on the rise?
Sea‑Intelligence points to the persistent imbalance in global trade flows as the root cause:
- Export-oriented manufacturing hubs in Asia, including China and Vietnam, continue to send large volumes of goods abroad.
- North America and Europe remain predominantly import-driven markets.
- After fully loaded containers arrive in Europe and North America, there is often insufficient cargo for return journeys.
- Shipping lines must move large numbers of empty containers back to Asia to meet the next round of export demand.
The recent wave of freight rate increases and peak season surcharges from Asia to Europe is supported not only by seasonal demand and tight capacity, but also by the logistical pressure of repositioning empty containers.
Key takeaways for freight forwarders and international trade professionals:
- Asia remains the world’s primary center for container demand.
- Shipping lines will continue to prioritize empty container availability in Asian ports.
- Shortages of return cargo in Europe and North America are unlikely to improve in the near term.
During peak seasons, port congestion, or geopolitical disruptions, certain export ports may experience container shortages, offloading of containers, or rising repositioning fees.
As more containers are shipped empty across oceans, the cost of global trade imbalances is increasing. These costs are gradually passed along through higher freight rates, rising logistics expenses, and decreased supply chain efficiency, impacting the entire international trade ecosystem.
