Transport containers trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in transport containers was worth $8.41 billion in 2024, about 12.81 million tonnes. That is an increase of 80% since 2017, and up 6% on 2023.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
World trade by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $8.41B | 12.81M t |
| 2023 | $7.94B | 4.54M t |
| 2022 | $7.96B | 4.01M t |
| 2021 | $8.12B | 5.18M t |
| 2020 | $4.49B | 11.07M t |
| 2019 | $5.30B | 6.77M t |
| 2018 | $8.04B | 10.16M t |
| 2017 | $4.68B | 6.13M t |
Top transport containers exporting countries
China is the largest exporter with 41% of world exports, followed by Guyana and the United States. The top three supply 66% between them, out of 190 exporting countries.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $3.46B | 41% |
| Guyana | $1.59B | 19% |
| United States | $519.8M | 6.2% |
| Germany | $256.1M | 3% |
| Netherlands | $255.4M | 3% |
| Poland | $244.8M | 2.9% |
| Italy | $202.1M | 2.4% |
| France | $157.2M | 1.9% |
| United Kingdom | $156.7M | 1.9% |
| Malaysia | $146.4M | 1.7% |
| Slovakia | $104.6M | 1.2% |
| South Korea | $92.2M | 1.1% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
Trinidad and Tobago is the biggest buyer with 18% of world imports, ahead of the United States and Germany. Demand is spread widely: the top three take 36% across 216 importing countries.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Trinidad and Tobago | $1.54B | 18% |
| United States | $824.0M | 9.8% |
| Germany | $633.9M | 7.5% |
| France | $353.1M | 4.2% |
| Singapore | $344.1M | 4.1% |
| South Korea | $322.0M | 3.8% |
| Japan | $283.9M | 3.4% |
| United Arab Emirates | $225.9M | 2.7% |
| Netherlands | $224.4M | 2.7% |
| Br. Virgin Isds | $193.4M | 2.3% |
| United Kingdom | $188.7M | 2.2% |
| Canada | $172.0M | 2% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $0.66 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Guyana averaged $10.27 per kg and the United States $0.11 per kg, so grade and origin matter.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments worldwide. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Who is behind these numbers in this market?
Public statistics stop at country totals and the last published year. EximDataX shows the shipment records underneath: the companies, dates, quantities and declared values, updated weekly.
Shipment records are in the platform
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Source: CEPII BACI (reconciled UN Comtrade data), HS 2017 edition, release 202601, Etalab Open Licence 2.0. Annual values in US dollars at the customs border; quantities in tonnes where reported. HS 8609: Containers; (including containers for transport of fluids) specially designed and equipped for carriage by one or more modes of transport. HS 8609 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most transport containers?
China exported $3.46 billion in 2024, 41% of the world total, followed by Guyana (19%) and the United States (6%). In all, 190 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most transport containers?
Trinidad and Tobago imported $1.54 billion in 2024, 18% of world imports, ahead of the United States (10%) and Germany (8%). The top three importers together take 36%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in transport containers?
It was worth $8.41 billion in 2024, about 12.81 million tonnes. That is an increase of 80% since 2017. 2024 was the highest year since 2017. 190 countries reported exports and 216 reported imports.
What is the average price of transport containers per kg?
The world average declared value was about $0.66 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Guyana averaged $10.27 per kg and the United States $0.11 per kg, so grade and origin matter. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so treat it as a benchmark, not a quote.
What is the HS code for transport containers?
The HS code for transport containers is heading 8609, in chapter 86 (railway, tramway locomotives, rolling-stock and parts thereof; railway or tramway track fixtures and fittings and parts thereof; mechanical (including electro-mechanical) traffic signalling equipment of all kinds). Customs uses this code worldwide at the six-digit level; national tariffs add more digits. The full list of codes is on the HS 8609 page.
How can I find transport containers buyers and suppliers?
Public statistics stop at country totals. EximDataX shows the importers and exporters behind this trade from shipment-level customs records, updated weekly, with direct customs feeds and mirror data. Tell us your product and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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