| Study Period | 2020 - 2030 |
| Market Size (2025) | USD 79.09 Billion |
| Market Size (2030) | USD 101.71 Billion |
| CAGR (2025 - 2030) | 5.16 % |
| Fastest Growing Market | Asia |
| Largest Market | Asia Pacific |
| Market Concentration | Low |
Major Players*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
Sea Freight Forwarding Market Analysis
The Sea Freight Forwarding Market size is estimated at USD 79.09 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 101.71 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 5.16% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
The sea freight forwarding market is experiencing robust growth, propelled by increased internet accessibility, rising purchasing power parity, and advancements in infrastructure and services tailored to the e-commerce sector. Sea freight forwarding has emerged as the preferred choice for numerous end-user industries, with various strategic partnerships expected to fuel its expansion in the forecasted period further. The surge in global cross-border e-commerce is driving the volume of Less than Container Load (LCL) shipments, positively influencing the sea freight forwarding market's evolution.
Sea freight has long been a vital mode of transportation for goods, products, and individuals, with a history spanning millennia. In the modern era, ships are crucial in transporting essential commodities like coal, oil, and gas, supporting the global economy.
Approximately 85% of goods are shipped via sea, predominantly through container vessels. Compared to alternative transportation modes, ships offer immense capacities suitable for transporting large, heavy, and bulky cargo, presenting a cost-effective solution with relatively lower emissions.
Sea Freight Forwarding Market Trends
Rising Cross Broder E-Commerce is driving the Market
The e-commerce market shows significant potential for expansion, projected to surge from USD 6.3 trillion in 2023 to USD 8 trillion by 2027. Moreover, online shopping is emerging as a top global internet activity, fueling domestic and cross-border e-commerce in developing economies like China, India, and Indonesia. This encompasses various sectors, including direct-to-consumer retail and shipments of electronics, pharmaceuticals, and consumer packaged goods.
The growth of e-commerce is intricately linked to regions' consumption patterns, particularly in developing economies transitioning from export-driven growth to increased consumption by expanding middle classes.
In China, cross-border e-commerce transactions comprise 25% of total import and export trade volumes. While e-commerce ventures in other regions may be smaller in scale than in China, they are experiencing rapid growth. South Korea, benefiting from a well-established payment and logistics infrastructure, sees online sales contributing to 37% of overall retail activity, although growth has plateaued. However, the e-commerce landscape in South Korea is poised for a potential rise to 45% in the next five years, driven notably by food delivery services and same-day delivery options.
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Rise In Seaborne Trade Transport Volume
The growth of seaborne trade benefits customers all around the world by lowering the cost of shipping. The prospects for the industry's continued growth remain favorable due to the increasing efficiency of shipping as a mode of transportation and further economic liberalization.
Despite the current circumstances, the industry's long-term prospects are still highly favorable. The world's population is still growing, and developing nations will keep needing more of the goods and raw materials that shipping transfers so securely and effectively. The volume of international trade conducted by sea has recently started to rise steadily once more. The fact that shipping is the most environmentally benign and cost-effective method of commercial transportation should eventually lead to an increase in the percentage of world trade that is transported by sea.
Over 50,000 merchant ships operate abroad and carry all different kinds of goods. More than a million seafarers of essentially every nationality make up the world fleet, which is registered in more than 150 countries.
According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the operation of commercial ships generates freight rates worth roughly USD 380 billion for the global economy, or about 5% of all trade.
The expansion of free trade and the demand for consumer goods has been fueled by rising industrialization and the liberalization of national economies. Technology advancements have also increased the effectiveness and speed of shipping as a mode of transportation.
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Sea Freight Forwarding Industry Overview
The Sea Freight Forwarding Market is highly competitive and highly fragmented, with the presence of many players. A sea freight forwarder is an individual or company that acts as an intermediary, dispatches shipments via common sea carriers, and makes all arrangements for those shipments on behalf of its clients. Sea freight forwarders handle all the logistics needed and perform activities pertaining to shipments.
Some of the existing major players in the market include Kuehne + Nagel, DHL Supply Chain & Global Forwarding, DB Schenker, DSV Panalpina, Sinotrans, Expeditors, Nippon Express, CEVA Logistics, C.H. Robinson, and Kerry Logistics.
Sea Freight Forwarding Market Leaders
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Kuehne + Nagel
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Sinotrans
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DHL Supply Chain & Global Forwarding
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DB Schenker
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DSV Panalpina
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
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Sea Freight Forwarding Market News
- September 2024: Pangaea Logistics Solutions will merge 15 handy-size dry bulk vessels from Strategic Shipping Inc. (SSI) into its fleet for USD 295 million, increasing its fleet by 60% to 41 vessels. The merger aims to boost growth, efficiency, and profitability. SSI will receive 19 million Pangaea shares and appoint two board members. Seven MTM employees, including a new chief strategy officer, will also join Pangaea.
- July 2024: NYK will acquire 80% of a new company formed by ENEOS Ocean Corporation, which will take over its shipping business, including LPG carriers, chemical tankers, product tankers, and dry bulk carriers. This aligns with NYK’s ESG-focused growth strategy, aiming for economies of scale and synergies. The transaction is expected to complete by April 1, 2025, pending regulatory approvals.
Sea Freight Forwarding Industry Segmentation
Sea Freight Forwarding is a method of transporting large quantities of goods using cargo ships where goods are packed in containers and loaded onto ships. A typical freighter can carry about 18,000 containers, making ocean freight a cost-effective way to transport large quantities over long distances.
The Sea Freight Forwarding Market report provides insights into the market Market Overview, Market Dynamics, Value Chain / Supply Chain Analysis, Technological Trends, Investment Scenarios, Government Regulations and Initiatives, Sea Freight Transportation Costs/Freight Rates, Insights on the E-commerce Industry, on the Sea Freight Forwarding Market and Industry Attractiveness. Furthermore, the report also provides company profiles with leading market players to understand the market's competitive landscape.
The Sea Freight Forwarding market is segmented by Type (FCL, LCL, and Other Types) and Geography (North America [United States, Canada, and Mexico], Europe [Germany, France, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Italy, and the Rest of Europe], Asia-Pacific [China, Japan, Australia, India, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, South Korea, and Rest of Asia-Pacific], Middle-East and Africa [South Africa, Egypt, GCC Countries, Rest of Middle-East and Africa], and South America [Brazil, Chile, and Rest of South America]). The report offers the market size in value terms in (USD) for all the abovementioned segments.
| By Type | Full Container Load (FCL) | ||
| Less-than Container Load (LCL) | |||
| Other Types | |||
| By Geography | North America | United States | |
| Canada | |||
| Mexico | |||
| Europe | Germany | ||
| France | |||
| Netherlands | |||
| United Kingdom | |||
| Italy | |||
| Rest of Europe | |||
| Asia-Pacific | China | ||
| Japan | |||
| Australia | |||
| India | |||
| Singapore | |||
| Malaysia | |||
| Indonesia | |||
| South Korea | |||
| Rest of Asia-Pacific | |||
| Middle-East and Africa | South Africa | ||
| Egypt | |||
| GCC Countries | |||
| Rest of Middle-East and Africa | |||
| South America | Brazil | ||
| Chile | |||
| Rest of South America | |||
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Sea Freight Forwarding Market Research FAQs
How big is the Sea Freight Forwarding Market?
The Sea Freight Forwarding Market size is expected to reach USD 79.09 billion in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 5.16% to reach USD 101.71 billion by 2030.
What is the current Sea Freight Forwarding Market size?
In 2025, the Sea Freight Forwarding Market size is expected to reach USD 79.09 billion.
Who are the key players in Sea Freight Forwarding Market?
Kuehne + Nagel, Sinotrans, DHL Supply Chain & Global Forwarding, DB Schenker and DSV Panalpina are the major companies operating in the Sea Freight Forwarding Market.
Which is the fastest growing region in Sea Freight Forwarding Market?
Asia is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR over the forecast period (2025-2030).
Which region has the biggest share in Sea Freight Forwarding Market?
In 2025, the Asia Pacific accounts for the largest market share in Sea Freight Forwarding Market.
What years does this Sea Freight Forwarding Market cover, and what was the market size in 2024?
In 2024, the Sea Freight Forwarding Market size was estimated at USD 75.01 billion. The report covers the Sea Freight Forwarding Market historical market size for years: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the Sea Freight Forwarding Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
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Sea Freight Forwarding Industry Report
The global sea freight logistics market, segmented by type into Full Container Load (FCL), Less-than Container Load (LCL), and others, is experiencing significant growth. This surge is driven by the demand for cost-effective and environmentally friendly transportation solutions. The market is further categorized by geography, including North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and South America. The market size and forecasts are provided, highlighting the industry's value in terms of USD billion.
The industry serves a variety of verticals such as retail and FMCG, manufacturing, consumer appliances, healthcare, and textiles. Services offered include packaging and labeling, documentation and PO management, charter services, transportation, and warehousing. Increased global and domestic trade activities, along with the burgeoning cross-border e-commerce market, are major growth drivers. The adoption of advanced technologies like AI, GPS, and IoT for real-time shipment tracking also fuels market growth.
The Asia Pacific region leads the market, driven by its booming e-commerce industry and rising import and export activities. The sea freight forwarding market is highly competitive and fragmented, with numerous companies offering diverse services to meet global trade needs. Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports provide a detailed industry analysis, including market share, size, and revenue growth rate. The report also offers a forecast outlook and historical overview, providing insights into the industry's future.
The market's dynamic nature is highlighted by industry trends and market data. The report includes a market forecast and an analysis of market growth. Market leaders and their strategies are also discussed. The market overview and segmentation provide a comprehensive understanding of the market's structure and value.
Industry reports and research companies offer valuable industry information and statistics. The market outlook and predictions provide a clear view of future developments. The report example and PDF download offer a sample of the detailed market research available.
In summary, the sea freight logistics market is poised for continued growth, driven by technological advancements, increasing trade activities, and the rising demand for efficient logistics solutions. The industry outlook remains positive, with significant opportunities for market leaders and new entrants alike.
