Approximately what percentage of the world’s goods trade (by volume) is carried on ships?

Maritime transport is the most cost-effective and efficient means of transporting large volumes of goods globally, forming the backbone of international trade and supply chains.

• The correct answer, 80%, is accurate. According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), approximately 80% of global merchandise trade by volume is carried by sea. This highlights the immense reliance of the world economy on shipping.
• 60%, 70%, and 75% are all lower estimates. While significant percentages, they do not fully capture the overwhelming dominance of maritime transport in the total volume of world goods trade. These figures might be plausible for other modes of transport or specific trade routes, but not for the overall global volume.

Understanding this statistic underscores the critical importance of the shipping industry.