2026-06-22 · percent of global trade by weight

Ships move most physical trade volume

Containers are visible — bulk commodities dominate ton-miles.

When shipping lanes tighten, most physical trade is exposed — ships carry 80% of global trade by weight, according to UNCTAD's 2026 Review of Maritime Transport. Air, road, and rail together handle the remaining 20%. The world's commerce in oil, grain, ore, and containers rides on water, making ports and freight rates the quiet infrastructure behind nearly everything bought and sold.

1 cell = 0.1 percent of global trade by weight (0.1% of seaborne trade share) · 1,000 cells

Context

The 80% share is measured by weight, not value. Light, high-value goods such as electronics and pharmaceuticals often travel by air, which is one reason shipping's share of trade value is lower than its share of weight.

Containers get the attention because they stack visibly on ships and at ports, but bulk commodities — oil, grain, ores — dominate ton-miles at sea. The seaborne share in this grid spans tankers, bulk carriers, and container ships alike.

Figures reflect UNCTAD's Review of Maritime Transport (2026), the annual benchmark for seaborne trade.

UNCTAD Review of Maritime Transport shares.