RWI/ISL Container Throughput Index: Global trade without clear tendency

The Container Throughput Index of the Rheinisch-Westfälisches Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung (RWI) and the Institute of Shipping Economics and Logistics (ISL) has decreased from (revised) 123.0 to 121.9 points in July. Thus, the unsteady development proceeds, which has been observed already for half a year – even if the index continues to range at a high level. This indicates that global trade is still a topic without a clear tendency.

The data for June were revised slightly by 0.2 points down compared to the flash estimate a month ago, which is clearly below the long term average. The flash estimate for July based on data from 34 ports, covering a total of about two-thirds of container throughput shown in the index.

The index is based on data of 75 world container ports covering approximately 60% of worldwide container handling. The ports are continuously monitored by the ISL as part of their market analysis. Because large parts of international merchandise trade are transported by ship, the development of port handling is a good indicator for world trade. As many ports release information about their activities only two weeks after the end of the respective month, the RWI/ISL Container Throughput Index is a reliable early indicator for the development of international merchandise trade and hence for the activity of the global economy.

The RWI/ISL Container Throughput Index for August 2014 will be published on September, 22nd.
Source: Rheinisch-Westfälisches Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung (RWI) and the Institute of Shipping Economics and Logistics (ISL)