In July, the Container Throughput Index of RWI and ISL softened from 118.6 (revised June value) to 118.4 points. However, this is not a statistically significant decrease. The average amplitude of revision over the past years was 0.6 points; the June value was revised upwards by 0.5 points. All in all, the index has not shown any clear movement since three months now. The current flash forecast for July is based on 42 ports representing close to three quarters of the throughput included in the index.

The index is based on data of 81 world container ports covering approximately 60% of worldwide container handling. The ports are continuously monitored by the ISL as part of their market analysis. Because large parts of international merchandise trade are transported by ship, the development of port handling is a good indicator for world trade. As many ports release information about their activities only two weeks after the end of the respective month, the RWI/ISL Container Throughput Index is a reliable early indicator for the development of international merchandise trade and hence for the activity of the global economy.

The RWI/ISL Container Throughput Index for August 2015 will be published on 22 September.

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Contact:

Prof. Dr. Roland Döhrn, Tel.: +49 (0201) 8149-262 E-Mail
Katharina Fischer (Press office RWI), Tel.: +49 (0201) 8149-244, E-Mail