UNCTAD warns of uncertainty, volatility and rising costs

Thursday, September 25, 2025


To stay the course, the world urgently needs to stabilize trade policies, mitigate shipping cost increases and promote sustainable and resilient maritime transport infrastructure.


Global shipping, moving over 80% of the world's merchandise trade, is entering a period of fragile growth, rising costs and mounting uncertainty, according to The Review of Maritime Transport 2025: Staying the course in turbulent waters, released by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) on 24 September.

  • Maritime trade growth slowing

  • Geopolitics reshaping routes, adding costs

  • Volatile and high freight rates hit vulnerable economies

  • Shipping needs to go digital and green

  • Fleet renewal, cleaner fuels key — investment gaps persist

Read the full report here.