Developments in international seaborne trade

World seaborne trade gathered momentum in 2017, with volumes expanding at 4 per cent, the fastest growth in five years. Supported by the world economic recovery and the improved global merchandise trade, world seaborne trade was estimated at 10.7 billion tons, with dry bulk commodities powering nearly half of the volume increase. Bearing in mind the low base effect, the recovery benefited all market segments; containerized trade and dry bulk commodities recorded the fastest expansion. Following the weak performances of the two previous years, containerized trade increased by 6.4 per cent in 2017. Meanwhile, dry bulk commodities trade increased by 4.0 per cent, up from 1.7 per cent in 2016. Crude oil shipments rose by 2.4 per cent, down from 4 per cent in 2016, while, together, refined petroleum products and gas increased by an estimated 3.9 per cent.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Climate Action

Life Below Water