The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) released new seaborne trade data on 15 April, providing for the first time detailed country-level statistics on global shipping flows. This milestone dataset enhances understanding of trade dynamics and supports more informed policy and investment decisions across the maritime sector.
Maritime transport remains the cornerstone of global trade, moving over 80% of goods traded worldwide by volume. It connects production centers, global value chains, and consumers, serving as a catalyst for industrialization, economic growth, and job creation. As the world evolves, so does seaborne trade, now shaped not only by containerization and global economic shifts but also by digitalization, geopolitical tensions, and sustainability efforts.
New Insights into Who Ships What – and How Much
The new dataset, built from official government trade reports submitted to UN Comtrade, provides a more accurate and comparable snapshot of maritime cargo movements. Access to reliable, up-to-date country-level data is critical for:
- Monitoring trade performance and competitiveness;
- Assessing integration into global value chains;
- Guiding investment in port and transport infrastructure;
- Tracking Sustainable Development Goal 9.1.2, which focuses on developing quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure.
This granular view helps policymakers, businesses, and researchers better navigate the complexities of international shipping and foster smarter, more resilient global supply chains.
Developing Economies on the Rise and Cargo Shifts
One of the key findings highlights the growing dominance of developing economies in maritime trade. Once primarily exporters of raw materials, many developing countries have transformed into major players in global supply chains. Their share of world maritime freight rose from 38% in 2000 to 54% in 2023, led mainly by Asia and driven by China’s economic ascent.
Conversely, least developed countries, particularly in Africa and small island developing states, continue to hold modest shares due to smaller economies, weaker infrastructure, and lower integration into global trade networks.
Additionally, UNCTAD’s data reveals a structural shift in the nature of cargo transported. Whereas liquid bulk cargo, primarily oil, dominated until the early 2000s, dry cargo — such as coal, iron ore, grains, and manufactured goods — has surged. Crude oil’s share of maritime cargo dropped from 29% in 2000 to 18% in 2023, while dry bulk commodities rose from 27% to 36%, reflecting China’s booming demand for raw materials and manufactured goods.
Periods of major disruption are also evident in the data, notably the 2008–2009 financial crisis, the COVID-19, the war in Ukraine, Red Sea tensions, and climate-induced challenges like the drought affecting the Panama Canal. These disruptions underscore the fragility of key maritime routes and the need for greater resilience in global shipping networks.
With this groundbreaking dataset, UNCTAD provides new tools to navigate the shifting tides of maritime trade in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.
