International Trade in Manufactured Goods

This chapter explores the development of international shipping of manufactured goods since the advent of containerisation. It begins by identifying the key manufactured goods traded globally, the leading trading nations, and the accompanying trade flows. As air cargo is the primary competitor of maritime transport for inter-regional trade in manufactured goods, its role is examined briefly. The trader’s view of shipping as a mode choice is discussed, and conclusions are drawn about what the future may hold for the transport of manufactured goods. As the chapter was written before the global pandemic, a postscript has been written on how the pandemic influenced trade in manufactured goods and draws conclusions about the restructuring of global trade likely post-pandemic.