Growth in containerized trade measured in 20-foot
equivalent units (TEUs) slowed significantly in 2012,
with volumes increasing by 3.2 per cent, down from
13.1 per cent in 2010 and 7.1 per cent in 2011.
The slump in Europe’s import demand and the
consequent ripple effect on global export volumes,
in particular from Asia, have contributed significantly
to the deceleration.