GLOBAL demand for container shipping in the first eight months of 2024 was up 6.7 per cent year on year with May and August both surpassing the 16 million TEU mark, but this year's frontloading suggests lower import levels next year as shippers reduce inventories, says Xeneta.

"For 2025, Xeneta forecasts a three per cent TEU demand growth on a global level," said Xeneta analyst Peter Sand.

"Macro-economic developments set the overall direction for container shipping demand but it does not tell the whole story, and shippers need to understand market nuances at a regional and port-to-port level."

Mr Sand said the US presidential elections will have a major influence on 2025 because the potential for new tariffs that could see shippers revisit supply chains - and perhaps see a further acceleration in imports to Mexico.

"2024 was very much driven by frontloading of cargoes, in addition to longer sailing distances. Any change in this approach next year represents a downward risk to demand - unless 2025 turns out to be even more dramatic," he said.