The Middle East Gulf crisis cut an estimated 660,000 TEU from April container volumes, reducing year-to-date growth to 5.1 percent instead of above six percent, reported London's Lloyd's List.

Container Trades Statistics said April throughput rose 1.6 percent on March and 4.3 percent year on year to 16.24 million TEU. Imports and exports in the Middle East fell 54 percent and 48 percent respectively, underscoring the impact of concentrated geopolitical risk.

The shortfall was 180,000 TEU lower than March as carriers adjusted networks and diverted cargo. CTS estimated that 1.6 million TEU has been eroded from Middle East Gulf trades since the start of the year. Saudi Red Sea ports Jeddah and King Abdullah have emerged as diversion hubs, each handling about 50 percent more cargo year on year.

North America delivered one of the month's biggest surprises, with imports up 6.2 percent year on year in April, narrowing the deficit to 1.9 percent. Transpacific volumes rose 11.3 percent year on year, driven by a 21 percent surge in Chinese exports to the US. Drewry confirmed that the transpacific peak season began earlier than usual, supporting stronger demand and firmer freight rates.

European imports grew seven percent in the first four months, while Asia exports rose 9.2 percent. Sub-Saharan Africa outperformed with a 10.1 percent rise, and Asia-Europe trade continued its strong run with volumes up 14.3 percent year to date.

CTS said pricing trends reflect concentrated disruption. The Global Price Index climbed to 89 from 78 a year earlier, with Middle East-linked rates up 50 percent. Other trades also saw increases, including Europe-Asia, Asia-Europe, Asia-North America, and Europe-North America.