While, in line with previous trends, cargo volumes
loaded in the ports of developing countries exceeded
the volumes of goods unloaded (figure 1.3(b)), their
shares have nevertheless evolved over the past four
decades to reach near parity in 2012. Driven by the
fast-growing import demand in developing regions –
fuelled by their industrialization process and rapidly
rising consumer demand – for the first time ever the
share of goods unloaded in developing countries is
likely soon to surpass their share of goods loaded.