The Port of Hamburg recorded robust cargo growth in 2025, driven by surging container volumes from Malaysia and India, even as traffic with the United States contracted sharply amid ongoing trade headwinds.
According to official figures, total throughput at the Port of Hamburg rose by 2.6 % in 2025 to approximately 114.6 million tonnes, underscoring the port’s continued resilience in an uneven global trade environment. Container traffic, the key driver of this upswing, registered strong gains across major Asian trade lanes.
Asia Growth Offsets US Decline
Container handling was a standout performer, with 8.3 million TEU processed in 2025 — up 7.3 % year-on-year. By tonnage, this translated into a 4.6 % increase, reflecting broad demand for Asia-Europe trade flows.
The performance was underpinned by notable increases in container volumes from Malaysia and India:
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Malaysia traffic surged by more than 80 %, fuelled by expanding trade links and greater shipment flows through Hamburg’s deep-sea networks.
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India saw nearly a 50 % rise in container volumes, supported by stronger commercial ties following the EU-India free trade agreement and targeted outreach by port authorities.
These gains were complemented by steady growth from China and other Southeast Asian markets, reinforcing the port’s position as a key gateway between Europe and Asia.
US Traffic Weakens on Trade Headwinds
In contrast, container volume with the United States declined sharply — falling around 25 % in 2025. Industry analysts attribute this downturn principally to tariff measures introduced by US authorities, which have reshaped cargo flows and dampened demand along transatlantic trade routes.
The divergence between Australian and Asian growth patterns has been a recurring theme in global shipping and reflects shifting trade dynamics as companies adapt to evolving tariff regimes and broader geopolitical tensions.
Sectoral Highlights
While the general container segment showed strength, bulk cargo throughput contracted slightly in 2025. Although liquid bulk rose modestly, dry bulk categories — particularly grain and ore — experienced declines.
Port authorities noted that despite these sectoral variations, Hamburg’s throughput performance across all four quarters of 2025 reinforces its competitive standing in international freight logistics.
Outlook
With Asia-Europe trade momentum continuing to build and strategic partnerships expanding with key markets like Malaysia and India, Hamburg is positioned to leverage these flows to offset pressure from weaker North American demand. Wholesalers and shipping lines will be watching closely for how these dynamics influence carrier deployment decisions and investment within Europe’s largest seaport in the year ahead.
