Drewry said the global container port throughput index reached almost the pre-COVID-19 level in August, with China leading the recovery due to rapid growth in domestic traffic, together with growth in demand in key international markets.

The maritime research firm said the port throughput index reached more than 133 points, registering a 1.4% (1.8 points) monthly growth, although it remains 1.1% lower than in August 2019.

"China, which has led the recovery from the impact of COVID-19, surpassed the August 2019 index by close to 5% (6.8 points), but month-on-month the index was flat between July and August 2020," Drewry said. 

Asia index rising 

It noted that the index for Asia (except China) has also been increasing over the last few months to reach 124.8 in August, although the "revival has been sluggish" when compared with China.

Drewry said while the index grew by 2.6 points (2.2%) over July, it is still more than 4% below the level recorded in August 2019.

"The two sub-regions of America (North and Latin America) witnessed monthly growth in August but failed to achieve the year-ago level of August 2019," Drewry said.

"While the index for North America grew by 8.4 points (6%) in a single month to reach 148.1 points in August 2020, this was still 3.2% (4.8 points) lower than in August 2019<" it added.

It added that some of the North American hubs such as New York, Savanna and Los Angeles reached their highest-ever monthly throughput figures in August.

Meanwhile, the Latin American index at 110 points in August was 3% higher than in July 2020, but about 12% lower than in August 2019.

Bleak recovery prospects for Europe

Europe’s index at 111 points witnessed a monthly as well as a year-on-year decline in August 2020.

Drewry noted that while the index was 1% lower than in July 2020, it was more than 9% lower year on year.

The maritime research firm said with the second wave of COVID-19 taking hold across the region the "prospects for recovery seem bleak."

The index for the Middle East and South Asia reached close to 121 points in August, posting a significant lag from the pre-COVID-19 high of around 127 recorded in December 2019.

Oceania has witnessed monthly as well as annual growth in August. The index was 136.8 points, with 8.1% monthly and 11.8% annual growth.

Africa’s port throughput index surpassed the milestone of 100 points in August to reach 102.6 points. It was close to 14% higher than in July 2020, but 10.3% lower year on year.