West Africa container trade continued to expand in early 2026, supported by rising imports from China and growing consumer demand across the region. New data shows containerised imports into West Africa increased by 15% during the first quarter of 2026, extending a strong growth trend that has reshaped regional trade flows in recent years.
Containerised imports into West Africa increased by 15% during the first quarter of 2026 compared with the same period a year earlier, according to data compiled by MB Shipbrokers. March import volumes were also 8% higher year-on-year, highlighting continued momentum across regional supply chains.
The latest figures build on several years of strong expansion. Container volumes entering West Africa were 47% higher in 2025 than pre-pandemic 2019 levels and increased by 22% compared with 2024, underlining the region’s growing importance within global container trade networks.
China has emerged as the dominant source of containerised imports into the region. Historically, Greater China and Northern Europe were the two largest contributors to West African imports. However, China’s share increased from 26% in 2011 to 37% in 2025, while Northern Europe’s share declined from 21% to 13% over the same period.
The trend accelerated further in early 2026. Imports from Greater China accounted for 40% of all containerised imports into West Africa during the first quarter and represented the largest contributor to regional growth. Chinese-origin shipments increased by 35% year-on-year compared with the first quarter of 2025.
The data highlights the growing commercial links between China and West Africa and reinforces the region’s position as an increasingly important destination for containerised trade. As consumer markets expand and economic activity continues to develop, shipping lines, ports and logistics providers are likely to monitor West Africa closely as a source of future cargo growth.
Source: MB Shipbrokers – Container Weekly (23–29 May 2026)
