International merchandise trade rose by +9.5% in 2018 according to LogIndex, the data company of Kuehne + Nagel, despite the trade dispute between the two largest economies and a slowdown in momentum over the course of the year.
The growth is only slightly below the 2017 rate (+9.7%).
In December, the Americas were the regions with the strongest growth rates, followed by Asia, the Middle East and Europe.
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The gKNi World Trade Indicator powered by LogIndex AG stood at 138.6 at the end of December 2018, up +4.0% from 2017 and down -1.3% compared to November 2018.
Latin America (+9.5%) and North America (+4.9%) were the best performers in December 2018, followed by Asia and Europe.
According to the near real-time shipper analytics based on customs data, the imports to the United States rose in December 2018, particularly for computers, vehicles, electronic products and capital goods in general - except for products for the semiconductor industry.
Despite new tariffs, 2018 was a solid year.
Measured in nominal USD terms, the World Trade Indicator increased by 9.5%, almost at the same pace as 2017 (+9.7%), and remarkably higher than 2016 (-3.3%) or 2015 (-9.3%).
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The jump in 2018 was caused by volume growth (around 4%) as well as higher prices and US dollar change.
In ocean freight, measured by the live throughput of ports, the unit volume increased in December (+0.8% MoM), after a decline in November (-1.2%). Overall, sea freight rose by +2.9% last year.
The cargo and container throughput in U.S. ports increased by +4.0% in 2018. The Chinese ports recorded a growth rate of +2.8%.
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