Hamburg Port Booms with India, Malaysia Volumes Despite US Drop

The Port of Hamburg marked a resilient 2025 with 2.6% cargo growth to 114.6 million tonnes, driven by surging Asian container volumes that more than offset steep declines from the US.

Container throughput hit 8.3 million TEU, up 7.3%, as Asia pivoted into the spotlight. India led the charge with a record 49.2% jump to 290,000 TEU, boosted by the EU-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) slashing 95% of tariffs and new direct liner services to Nhava Sheva, Mundra, and Chennai. Malaysia volumes rocketed 84.3%, while China added a steady 6.5%, underscoring Hamburg’s strategic shift toward Asian trade lanes.

In contrast, US East Coast containers plunged 25.6% amid Trump-era tariffs and ongoing trade frictions, pulling down overall North America volumes. Northern Europe’s strong +21.2% performance provided some cushion, but the US drop highlighted global trade’s volatility.

Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) CEO Axel Mattern attributes this resilience to deliberate trade diversification. Recent visits by Indian delegations have explored synergies with the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC) and green corridor investments, signaling potential for sustained volume growth.

Bulk cargo dipped 1.7%, yet Asia’s momentum positions Hamburg for further gains in 2026 as it leans into emerging markets and sustainable pathways.