ASEAN share of US-bound container shipping reaches 20%

Growth, driven by furniture and electric equipment, reflect shift from China

20210312 Containers at a port in Ho Chi Minh City

Shipping containers, like these shown at a port in Ho Chi Minh City, are in short supply in Vietnam. © Reuters

KAZUTO SHIMADA, Nikkei staff writer

April 11, 2021 09:31 JST

TOKYO -- The Association of Southeast Asian Nations is making its presence felt in the U.S.-bound marine transportation market.

Total shipping volume originating in the ASEAN region increased in 2020, pushing its global share above the 20% mark for the first time. In contrast, the share of shipping originating in China, which is the highest globally, has decreased for two straight years.