Container exports from Japan to the U.S. reached 56,174 TEUs in July, marking a 14.3% increase compared to the same period last year.
This represents the fourth consecutive month of double-digit growth, according to data from Descartes Datamyne.
Direct shipments accounted for 39,094 TEUs, a 32.8% rise, continuing a year-on-year increase for 12 consecutive months since August 2023. The remaining 17,080 TEUs were transshipped along the way, a decrease of 13.3%, making up 30.4% of the total—a 9.9 percentage point decline. The share of transshipped containers has been shrinking consistently for the past 12 months.
Transshipments through South Korea dropped 20.4% to 11,242 TEUs, continuing a downward trend since March 2023. In contrast, transshipments through China and Taiwan rose by 11.6% to 2,661 TEUs and 13.3% to 1,990 TEUs, respectively. Singapore saw a 9.1% decrease in transshipments, totalling 825 TEUs.
Regarding ports of origin in Japan, 16,005 TEUs were shipped from Tokyo, an increase of 41.9%; 11,364 TEUs from Nagoya, up 45.9%; 7,949 TEUs from Kobe, up 36.1%; 2,818 TEUs from Yokohama, down 19.9%; and 298 TEUs from Shimizu, down 42.6%.
By commodity, nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery, and mechanical appliances and parts (HS Code Chapter 84) led with 13,096 TEUs, a 12% increase. Vehicles other than railway or tramway rolling stock, along with parts and accessories (HS Code Chapter 87), surged 24.7% to 11,875 TEUs, securing second place.
Rubbers and related articles (HS Code Chapter 40) rose 3.4% to 6,262 TEUs, placing third. Plastics and articles thereof (HS Code Chapter 39) climbed 17% to 5,860 TEUs. Rounding out the top five, electrical machinery and equipment and parts (HS Code Chapter 85) decreased by 6.5% to 2,880 TEUs.