UN Trade and Development’s Review of Maritime Transport 2025, released on 24 September 2025, describes a shipping market facing uncertainty, cost pressures and fragile growth.
UNCTAD notes that maritime transport carries more than 80% of world merchandise trade by volume. The report provides context for understanding the importance of shipping conditions to international sourcing and supply.
For each transaction, confirm routing, lead times and freight arrangements using current information. The report describes industry conditions at its publication date and is not a shipment quotation.