Global Container Intelligence Market Report

Part 1 of 8 The global container market entered August 2026 with freight rates still elevated, but with clear evidence that the strongest phase of the early peak-season rally was losing momentum. Drewry's World Container Index declined for a third consecutive week on 30 July 2026, while route-level data showed decreases on several major Asia–Europe and transpacific trades. The latest verified composite reading was US$4,255 per 40-foot container , representing a 3% week-on-week decline . This followed a 4% decrease one week earlier and a 2% decline in the preceding week. The market direction therefore shifted from rapid rate escalation towards controlled easing. The current correction should not be interpreted as a complete normalisation of global container-shipping conditions. The absolute rate level remained commercially significant and continued to reflect disrupted routing, fuel-cost exposure, capacity management, port uncertainty and strong cargo flows on selected trade lanes. The broader international trade environment remained supportive. UN Trade and Development estimated that global goods trade reached approximately US$13.7 trillion during the first half of 2026 , an increase of 12.5% year on year . Services trade increased by 10.5% . UNCTAD nevertheless warned that security risks surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, trade tensions and geoeconomic fragmentation could increase costs and create uneven regional performance during the second half of 2026. These risks remain particularly relevant for shipping lines, importers, exporters, container owners, logistics providers and infrastructure operators. Sources: Drewry World Container Index, UN Trade and Development, Port of Los Angeles and Port of Rotterdam. Complete source references are provided in Part 8. The Five Most Important Developments Executive interpretation: A falling global freight index does not automatically mean that every route, contract or shipment becomes cheaper. Procurement teams must evaluate individual trade lanes, surcharges, equipment availability, transit times and schedule reliability. International Container Market Access Companies seeking container suppliers, buyers, depots, leasing companies, transport providers and international business partners can use the Global Container Network . Access the structured international network here: Global Container Network – International Network .

Part 2 of 8 Following three consecutive weekly declines in the Drewry World Container Index, the global container freight market entered August 2026 with lower pricing momentum but continued operational complexity. Freight rates remain well above historical averages and continue to reflect geopolitical risks, capacity management and changing demand patterns rather than a return to pre-disruption market conditions. Current Freight Rate Environment According to Drewry's latest published World Container Index (30 July 2026), the composite index declined by 3% compared with the previous week to US$4,255 per 40-foot container. Why Freight Rates Are Declining The recent decline does not indicate weakening global trade. Instead, several operational factors explain the current development: Despite these developments, shipping capacity remains effectively constrained because longer voyage durations, security-related routing decisions and network adjustments continue to reduce fleet productivity. Carrier Capacity Strategy Major liner operators continue actively managing available capacity rather than allowing unrestricted price competition. Blank sailings remain an important commercial instrument supporting market stability. Executive Insight The current market should not be interpreted as the beginning of a freight market collapse. Available evidence indicates a controlled adjustment after an unusually strong rate rally rather than structural oversupply. Procurement Recommendations International Freight Network Find international transport companies, shipping partners and freight service providers through the Global Container Network . Related Sections: International Network Container Marketplace International Transport Logistics Services

Part 3 of 8 Global port performance remained resilient entering August 2026, although regional differences continued to influence schedule reliability and container availability. While several major gateways maintained strong cargo flows, weather events, vessel bunching and longer voyage rotations continued to affect individual ports. Port Performance Overview North America The Port of Los Angeles continued to demonstrate exceptionally strong container demand. More than one million TEU handled during June confirms that U.S. imports remain supported by consumer demand and inventory replenishment. The strong throughput also demonstrates that lower freight rates are not necessarily associated with declining cargo volumes. Europe Europe's largest container gateway, Rotterdam, continued operating at a high level despite geopolitical uncertainty. Although overall cargo throughput increased slightly during the first half of 2026, container traffic measured in TEU remained almost unchanged, illustrating a stable but highly competitive European import market. Asia Asian ports continue to dominate global container logistics. Shanghai, Ningbo, Singapore and other major gateways remain central to international supply chains. Singapore continues to function as one of the world's most important transshipment centres, connecting East-West and intra-Asian shipping services. Operational Challenges Executive Insight Port performance should no longer be measured solely by throughput. Container availability, berth productivity, inland connectivity, equipment positioning and schedule reliability have become equally important indicators for procurement and logistics planning. Recommendations for Logistics Managers International Ports & Depots Locate verified international container depots, terminals, logistics providers and infrastructure partners through the Global Container Network international platform. Related sections: Container Depots Global Network Logistics Companies Container Marketplace

Part 4 of 8 Container availability improved further during July 2026 compared with the extreme shortages experienced in previous years. Nevertheless, regional imbalances remain significant, making equipment location more important than global fleet size. Purchasing decisions should therefore focus on verified local availability rather than worldwide market assumptions. Container Manufacturing China continues to dominate global container manufacturing and remains the primary production centre for standard dry containers, high cube units, reefers and specialised equipment. Production capacity remains stable while manufacturers benefit from steady replacement demand and fleet renewal programmes. Leasing Market The international container leasing market remains one of the strongest segments within the container industry. Many cargo owners continue to favour operational flexibility over ownership, particularly where transport demand changes frequently or projects require temporary equipment. Demand remains strongest for standard dry containers, high cube units, reefers and specialised equipment serving industrial and infrastructure projects. Container Trading The international trading market remains active across all major regions. While new production remains stable, used-container transactions continue to represent an important segment of global equipment supply. Purchasing decisions increasingly depend on verified condition reports, inspection documentation, CSC certification and depot location rather than purchase price alone. Executive Insight The most economical container is not always the one with the lowest purchase price. Total acquisition cost includes inland transport, depot handling, inspection status, delivery time, repair requirements and operational availability. Equipment Availability Outlook Overall container availability is expected to remain stable during the coming weeks. Temporary shortages may continue in selected export regions, while many European and North American locations currently report balanced depot inventories. Companies should nevertheless verify inventory directly with suppliers before concluding purchase or lease agreements. Find International Equipment Suppliers Global Container Network connects buyers with verified international manufacturers, leasing companies, traders, depots and logistics providers. Useful sections: Container Marketplace Global Network Container Leasing Container Depots Container Manufacturers

Part 5 of 8 Regional market conditions continue to differ significantly despite an overall stable outlook for global container logistics. Trade growth, infrastructure investment, geopolitical developments and consumer demand are influencing each major region differently, requiring companies to adopt increasingly region-specific procurement and logistics strategies. Asia-Pacific Asia remains the world's dominant production and export region. China continues to lead global container manufacturing and export activity, while India, Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia continue strengthening their manufacturing sectors through increasing international investment. Singapore remains one of the world's most important transshipment hubs, connecting the majority of East-West container services. Europe European container markets remain stable despite continuing geopolitical uncertainty. Import demand remains healthy while logistics companies continue adapting to longer vessel rotations and changing shipping schedules. Northern European ports continue investing heavily in automation, digitalisation and sustainability initiatives to improve long-term efficiency. North America North American container demand remains supported by consumer spending, industrial activity and inventory replenishment. The Port of Los Angeles continues demonstrating exceptionally strong import volumes while East Coast gateways remain important beneficiaries of diversified shipping networks. Middle East The Middle East remains the most significant geopolitical risk area affecting international container shipping. Security developments continue influencing vessel routing, insurance costs, fuel consumption and overall supply chain planning. Africa African container markets continue developing steadily, supported by growing trade, infrastructure investments and expanding logistics networks. Operational performance, however, remains highly dependent upon individual ports and local infrastructure capacity. International Trade Trends Global trade continues benefiting from diversification of manufacturing, nearshoring initiatives, digital procurement platforms and expanding cross-border supply chains. Rather than concentrating sourcing activities in a single country, many international companies are increasingly building multi-country supplier networks to improve resilience and reduce operational risk. Executive Insight Successful procurement strategies increasingly depend on regional intelligence rather than global averages. Companies combining diversified supplier networks, multiple logistics partners and reliable market intelligence will remain significantly more resilient against future disruptions. Expand Your International Business Network Discover verified international container companies across more than 100 countries through the Global Container Network. Recommended sections: Global Network International Marketplace Logistics Companies Transport Providers Container Depots Container Leasing

Part 6 of 8 Geopolitical developments remain the single largest external factor influencing global container shipping during August 2026. While freight markets have begun to stabilise, operational risks associated with international trade routes, energy markets and regional conflicts continue affecting shipping companies, cargo owners and logistics providers worldwide. Geopolitical Risk Assessment Security developments in the Middle East continue influencing global shipping patterns. Many carriers remain cautious regarding routing decisions through high-risk maritime areas, resulting in longer voyage distances, increased fuel consumption and reduced effective fleet capacity. Artificial Intelligence in Container Logistics Artificial Intelligence continues transforming international logistics, container management and supply-chain planning. Rather than replacing human decision-making, AI increasingly supports faster analysis, predictive planning and operational transparency. Digital Procurement International procurement continues shifting towards digital B2B platforms, allowing companies to compare suppliers, evaluate equipment availability, identify logistics partners and obtain market intelligence significantly faster than through traditional procurement methods. Verified supplier information, transparent company profiles and structured international business networks increasingly represent competitive advantages for procurement organisations. Sustainability Environmental requirements continue influencing investment decisions across shipping lines, terminal operators and logistics providers. Major investment priorities include: Executive Insight Digital transformation has become a strategic requirement rather than an operational option. Organisations combining verified market intelligence, artificial intelligence and diversified supplier networks will be significantly better positioned to respond to future market volatility. Investment Priorities Digital Business Network Global Container Network connects container manufacturers, shipping companies, leasing providers, depots, logistics operators and international buyers within one structured business platform. Useful sections: Global Network Container Marketplace Logistics Companies Transport Providers Container Manufacturers

Part 7 of 8 The latest verified market indicators suggest that the global container market is entering a phase of controlled stabilisation rather than rapid expansion or market contraction. Freight rates remain historically elevated, international trade continues to grow and container availability has improved in many regions. However, geopolitical uncertainty and operational risks continue to require proactive management. Market Outlook – Next 30 Days CEO Action Points Executive Assessment Current market conditions favour companies that combine verified market intelligence with diversified sourcing strategies and structured international business networks. While freight rates have moderated during recent weeks, the market remains fundamentally stronger than historical averages. Operational flexibility, digital procurement and supplier transparency continue to represent decisive competitive advantages. Executive Conclusion Rather than reacting to short-term freight-rate movements, successful organisations should focus on long-term supply-chain resilience, verified international partnerships and data-driven decision making. Strategic Outlook Looking ahead into the coming weeks, global container markets are expected to remain fundamentally stable. Regional disruptions may continue to occur, but the overall market environment supports continued international trade, investment and logistics activity. Artificial Intelligence, digital procurement platforms and transparent global business networks will continue becoming increasingly important for purchasing, sales, leasing and logistics management. Global Container Network Discover verified international business partners across the complete container industry ecosystem. Direct access: Global Business Network International Marketplace Container Leasing Container Depots Logistics Companies Container Manufacturers

Part 8 of 8 The global container industry entered August 2026 from a position of relative strength. Although freight rates have softened during recent weeks, underlying trade activity remains healthy and the international container market continues to benefit from resilient global demand, ongoing infrastructure investment and accelerating digital transformation. Verified market information published during the reporting period indicates that the current correction in freight rates should be interpreted as a controlled adjustment following an exceptionally strong first half of 2026 rather than the beginning of a structural market downturn. At the same time, geopolitical developments, energy-market volatility, regional port disruptions and changing trade policies continue requiring careful monitoring by shipping lines, logistics providers, manufacturers, leasing companies and international procurement organisations. Final Executive Summary Companies that combine verified market intelligence, diversified supplier networks, AI-supported decision making and transparent international business relationships will remain best positioned to benefit from continuing growth within the global container economy. Primary Sources Global Container Network Expand your international business network through the world's growing container industry platform. Editorial Note This publication is intended exclusively for executives, investors, shipping lines, container manufacturers, leasing companies, freight forwarders, logistics providers, infrastructure operators and procurement professionals. All quantitative information contained in this report is based on publicly available information published by the referenced organisations. Analytical assessments represent the editorial interpretation of current market conditions and should not be regarded as financial, investment or legal advice. © 2026 Container Intelligence Published on 03 August 2026 www.container-intelligence.com

Verified Sources The analysis presented in this publication is based exclusively on publicly available information released by internationally recognised organisations, official institutions, port authorities and established maritime industry information providers. Official Shipping Line Sources Editorial Policy Container Intelligence publishes reports based exclusively on publicly available information originating from official organisations, recognised industry institutions, port authorities, shipping lines and internationally established maritime intelligence providers. Where quantitative information cannot be independently verified, no numerical values are published. Analytical conclusions represent the editorial assessment of current market conditions based on the referenced primary sources.