Imports drove growth in sea container traffic in 2025

The increase in traffic was driven by deliveries related to factory construction, the gradual strengthening of consumer consumption, and the fact that sea transport remained a favorable alternative to other routes. However, the growth was not equally balanced, with exports remaining weaker, so the weight of imports continued to increase throughout the year. In 2025, every quarter was stronger than the same period in 2024, but the momentum decreased in the second half of the year. In 2025, the total annual loaded sea traffic was 426,484 TEU.

Import dominance continued to grow

Hungarian loaded sea container traffic remained fundamentally import-driven in 2025, and this continued to strengthen during the year. The average annual ratio of imports and exports was 70/30. The majority of the growth thus came from the incoming volume of goods, while exports were unable to expand at a similar pace. The traffic routes were not significantly rearranged, and the southern directions remained dominant, especially in imports. The northern directions were able to offer a stronger alternative when they were available with more favorable rates and more frequent flights. Overseas traffic showed a more balanced picture overall and is expected to grow more steadily in the longer term.

The fourth quarter’s traffic (73,486 TEU imports and 34,356 TEU exports) and the market environment were characterized by strong price competition and subdued export demand. Several players were therefore more cautious in taking on new orders and avoiding deals that did not bring adequate returns.  In addition to the growth, congestion at several major ports, as well as rail delays and cancellations, caused problems throughout 2025. In addition, roadworks and track closures often slowed down transport. In the south, these problems led to a significant portion of freight being diverted to road in several cases. However, it is a positive development that the gradual commissioning of a new terminal has begun in Rijeka, but its longer-term impact largely depends on the pace at which the related railway infrastructure develops.

Growth is there, predictability is the goal

According to the analysis of the MLSZKSZ, in 2025, Hungarian loaded sea container traffic strengthened in volume, but at the same time the market remains very sensitive to operational disruptions and a permanent shift in the import-export ratio. The most important task for the next period is to strengthen a more predictable transport environment, especially by stabilizing railway performance and developing infrastructure.

“The growth in 2025 shows that Hungary’s role in international freight traffic is growing, but there is still a lot of uncertainty in everyday operations. The goal is to be able to manage the growing volume of goods in an increasingly predictable and efficient manner,”

– said Ajtony Bíró Koppány, Secretary General of the MLSZKSZ.