RWI and ISL researchers note third consecutive decline in latest flash estimate

According to a flash estimate, the Container Throughput Index (https://www.rwi-essen.de/containerindex) of the RWI – Leibniz Institute for Economic Research (https://www.rwi-essen.de) and the Institute of Shipping Economics and Logistics (https://www.isl.org/) (ISL) rose to 137.2 points in October, according to a flash estimate. The overall index thus largely recovered from its decline in the previous month.

However, German and European ports continue to lose container freight on a massive scale. In October, container throughput fell by five index points – the third decline in a row. After the revival of trade in Europe in 2024, Europe continues to fall behind – and decouples itself from global trade.

Sanctions and energy costs

Container throughput in Chinese ports declined slightly – from 153 points in the previous month (revised) to 151.8 points. The final RWI/ISL Container Throughput Index for November 2025 will be published on 19 December 2025.

“Europe has been losing share in global trade since 2022. On the one hand, sanctions against Russia are likely to have contributed to this. On the other hand, the sharp rise in energy costs has reduced the competitiveness of European companies,” said RWI Chief Economist Torsten Schmidt.

According to the economic researcher, imports are suffering not least from the weak economy in Europe. There is therefore little hope that Europe will be able to keep pace with global economic development again in the near future.