
Global Dry Container Leasing Market Insights, Size, and Forecast By Type (Standard Containers, Refrigerated Containers, Specialized Containers, Ventilated Containers), By End Use (Shipping Industry, Logistics Companies, Retail Sector), By Container Size (20-foot Containers, 40-foot Containers, 45-foot Containers, Custom Size Containers), By Lease Duration (Short-term Lease, Long-term Lease, Flexible Lease), By Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa), Key Companies, Competitive Analysis, Trends, and Projections for 2026-2035
Key Market Insights
Global Dry Container Leasing Market is projected to grow from USD 5.9 Billion in 2025 to USD 9.8 Billion by 2035, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 5.4% from 2026 through 2035. This market encompasses the lease of standard dry freight containers, primarily used for the transportation of general cargo across various modes of transport. The increasing global trade volumes, driven by expanding manufacturing activities and consumer demand, are the primary market drivers. The inherent flexibility and cost-effectiveness offered by leasing compared to outright purchase are further bolstering demand, especially for companies seeking to optimize their supply chain logistics and capital expenditure. The market is also significantly influenced by the fluctuating shipping demands and the need for scalable container fleets to manage peak seasons and unforeseen disruptions. Geopolitical shifts, trade agreements, and technological advancements in logistics and tracking solutions are all playing a crucial role in shaping the market landscape.
Global Dry Container Leasing Market Value (USD Billion) Analysis, 2025-2035

2025 - 2035
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A key trend in the dry container leasing market is the growing adoption of smart containers equipped with IoT sensors for real-time tracking, temperature monitoring, and enhanced security. This trend is driven by the increasing need for supply chain visibility and efficiency, as businesses strive for greater transparency and reduced transit times. Another significant trend is the increasing focus on sustainability, with lessors exploring eco-friendly container materials and more energy-efficient manufacturing processes to meet evolving environmental regulations and customer preferences. However, market growth faces restraints such as the volatility of freight rates, which can impact the profitability of shipping lines and, consequently, their container leasing requirements. Furthermore, the availability of new and used containers in the market can lead to price fluctuations and intense competition among leasing companies. The complexities of international trade regulations and the high initial investment required for expanding container fleets also present challenges.
Despite these restraints, significant opportunities exist within the market. The expansion of e-commerce across emerging economies presents a substantial opportunity for increased demand for dry container leasing, as online retail necessitates robust and efficient logistics networks. Furthermore, the development of new trade routes and infrastructure projects, particularly in developing regions, will open up new avenues for container deployment. The market is also ripe for technological innovation, including the development of more durable and lightweight containers, as well as advanced digital platforms for seamless leasing transactions and fleet management. Asia Pacific stands as the dominant region, driven by its robust manufacturing base, extensive export activities, and burgeoning consumer markets, making it a critical hub for global trade. Concurrently, Asia Pacific is also the fastest-growing region, fueled by continued industrialization, infrastructure development, and increasing intra-regional trade. Key players such as TWS Container Service, Seaco Global Limited, and Triton International Limited are strategically expanding their global footprints, investing in smart container technologies, and offering flexible leasing terms to cater to diverse client needs and maintain their competitive edge in this dynamic market.
Quick Stats
Market Size (2025):
USD 5.9 BillionProjected Market Size (2035):
USD 9.8 BillionLeading Segment:
Standard Containers (72.8% Share)Dominant Region (2025):
Asia Pacific (45.2% Share)CAGR (2026-2035):
5.4%
What is Dry Container Leasing?
Dry container leasing involves companies renting out their standardized steel boxes, known as dry containers, to shippers or other logistics providers. Instead of outright purchasing these costly assets, businesses can lease them for specific periods, from a few days to several years. This model offers flexibility, allowing companies to scale their container needs up or down based on demand without significant capital expenditure. It’s crucial for global trade, enabling efficient movement of goods across oceans and land. Lessors maintain and often reposition containers, while lessees pay for their usage, making international shipping more accessible and adaptable for various industries.
What are the Trends in Global Dry Container Leasing Market
Digitalization Drives Leasing Efficiency
Sustainable Container Solutions Surging
Geopolitical Shifts Reshaping Supply Chains
Smart Tracking Enhances Fleet Management
Emerging Market Demand Fuels Expansion
Digitalization Drives Leasing Efficiency
Digitalization is profoundly transforming the global dry container leasing market by streamlining operations and enhancing efficiency for both lessors and lessees. Online platforms are central to this shift, providing transparent access to available container inventory and real time pricing. This eliminates many manual processes previously involved in finding, negotiating, and executing leases.
Automated documentation and digital contract management are reducing administrative burdens and accelerating transaction times significantly. Real time tracking capabilities offer improved visibility into container locations and statuses, optimizing repositioning and reducing idle times. Predictive analytics, fueled by extensive data, are enabling more accurate demand forecasting and smarter inventory allocation. This digital evolution is leading to faster turnaround times, reduced operational costs, and ultimately more responsive and efficient leasing experiences across the board.
Sustainable Container Solutions Surging
Sustainable container solutions are surging in the global dry container leasing market as companies prioritize environmental responsibility and long term efficiency. This trend is driven by heightened awareness of shipping's environmental impact and increasing regulatory pressure for eco friendly practices. Lessees are actively seeking containers constructed from recycled materials, offering enhanced durability, and featuring advanced coatings for extended lifespan and reduced maintenance. The demand also includes smart containers equipped with internet of things sensors for optimized resource utilization, precise tracking, and improved cargo integrity, minimizing waste and damage. Lessors are responding by investing in these greener fleets, understanding that offering sustainable options provides a competitive advantage and aligns with evolving customer expectations for a circular economy approach within global supply chains. This shift signals a fundamental transformation towards more resource efficient and environmentally sound logistics operations across the industry.
What are the Key Drivers Shaping the Global Dry Container Leasing Market
Expansion of International Trade & E-commerce
Growth in Global Manufacturing & Industrial Output
Innovations in Container Technology & IoT Integration
Increased Demand for Intermodal Transportation
Strategic Fleet Expansion by Leasing Companies
Expansion of International Trade & E-commerce
The expansion of international trade and e-commerce significantly propels the global dry container leasing market. As globalization intensifies, more goods are exchanged across borders, necessitating robust and flexible shipping solutions. E-commerce in particular generates a high volume of fragmented shipments, from raw materials to finished products, all requiring secure and standardized transportation. This surge in cross-border transactions and online retail creates consistent demand for dry containers, which are the fundamental units for moving these goods efficiently and economically. Leasing becomes a preferred option for companies seeking operational flexibility, cost efficiency, and access to a diverse fleet without the burdens of ownership, directly fueling the market's growth.
Growth in Global Manufacturing & Industrial Output
The expansion of global manufacturing and industrial production is a key driver for the dry container leasing market. As factories worldwide ramp up output, there's a corresponding surge in demand for raw materials, intermediate goods, and finished products that need to be transported across continents. This heightened industrial activity directly translates into a greater need for dry containers, which are essential for shipping a vast array of goods like electronics, textiles, machinery parts, and consumer products. With increased production volumes, businesses frequently opt for leasing containers to manage fluctuating inventory levels and optimize their supply chains, thus propelling the growth of the dry container leasing market.
Innovations in Container Technology & IoT Integration
Innovations in container technology and IoT integration are revolutionizing the global dry container leasing market. Smart containers equipped with real time tracking sensors provide unprecedented visibility into cargo location temperature and humidity throughout the supply chain. This enhanced transparency allows leasing companies to offer value added services such as predictive maintenance and optimized route planning. IoT integration also facilitates improved asset utilization by minimizing empty container repositioning and reducing dwell times. The ability to monitor container integrity and contents in transit significantly enhances security and reduces loss. These technological advancements attract shippers seeking greater efficiency reliability and data driven insights for their logistics operations driving demand for advanced dry container leasing solutions.
Global Dry Container Leasing Market Restraints
Geopolitical Instability and Trade Protectionism
Geopolitical instability, such as wars, sanctions, and political unrest, significantly disrupts global supply chains crucial for the dry container leasing market. These events lead to unpredictable shipping routes, port closures, and increased security risks, making it difficult for leasing companies to position containers efficiently and for lessees to plan their logistics.
Concurrently, rising trade protectionism, characterized by tariffs, import quotas, and non-tariff barriers, directly impacts the volume of goods being transported. When countries impose restrictions on international trade, the demand for dry containers to carry these goods naturally diminishes. This dual pressure of geopolitical uncertainty and restrictive trade policies creates an environment of reduced trade volumes and increased operational complexities, hindering growth and profitability within the global dry container leasing industry. These factors introduce substantial risk and uncertainty for market participants.
Fluctuating Shipping Demand and Overcapacity Risks
Fluctuating shipping demand poses a significant restraint on the global dry container leasing market. Economic downturns, geopolitical events, and seasonal variations directly impact the volume of goods being transported, leading to unpredictable changes in the need for containers. When demand dips, a surplus of available containers emerges, creating overcapacity. This oversupply often forces leasing companies to lower lease rates to attract clients, directly impacting their revenue and profitability. Furthermore, the unpredictability makes it challenging for lessors to strategically plan new container purchases or the disposal of older stock, leading to inefficiencies and potentially higher operating costs. Managing excess inventory during low demand periods also adds financial strain, including storage and maintenance expenses. This dynamic creates a volatile environment for lessors, hindering stable growth and investment.
Global Dry Container Leasing Market Opportunities
Smart Container Leasing: Data-Driven Optimization for Global Supply Chains
The global dry container leasing market presents a significant opportunity for Smart Container Leasing, leveraging data driven optimization. By integrating IoT sensors into standard dry containers, lessors can collect real time information on location, environmental conditions, and security. This invaluable data transforms traditional leasing into a service offering enhanced visibility and control across global supply chains. Lessees benefit from improved operational efficiency, reduced cargo loss, and proactive management of potential disruptions. Lessors gain deep insights into container utilization, enabling predictive maintenance, dynamic pricing models, and optimized repositioning strategies. This technology mitigates risks, lowers operational costs, and boosts asset utilization, creating a substantial competitive advantage. The ability to provide granular insights into cargo journeys empowers businesses to make informed decisions, streamline logistics, and enhance overall supply chain resilience and sustainability. This strategic shift moves beyond simple asset provision towards a truly value added data centric service, promising substantial growth and innovation for all.
Sustainable Dry Container Leasing: Capitalizing on Green Logistics and ESG Compliance
The global dry container leasing market offers a compelling opportunity in sustainable dry container leasing. As green logistics becomes a paramount concern, businesses worldwide are intensely focused on reducing their environmental impact and achieving robust ESG compliance. This escalating demand creates a strong market for eco-friendly and energy-efficient dry containers.
Leasing models providing these sustainable, lower carbon footprint containers enable companies to meet stringent environmental goals without substantial upfront capital investment. Providers specializing in such green assets can effectively capture a rapidly expanding segment of environmentally conscious shippers and logistics operators. This strategy empowers client companies to significantly improve their environmental scores, attract responsible investors, and align seamlessly with evolving regulatory frameworks. By offering innovative sustainable leasing options, lessors can decisively differentiate their services, secure substantial new market share, and cultivate enduring partnerships. The global shift towards sustainability, especially in high growth trade corridors, makes this a timely and highly lucrative venture, converting environmental responsibility into a definitive competitive advantage and tangible financial growth.
Global Dry Container Leasing Market Segmentation Analysis
Key Market Segments
By Type
- •Standard Containers
- •Refrigerated Containers
- •Specialized Containers
- •Ventilated Containers
By End Use
- •Shipping Industry
- •Logistics Companies
- •Retail Sector
By Container Size
- •20-foot Containers
- •40-foot Containers
- •45-foot Containers
- •Custom Size Containers
By Lease Duration
- •Short-term Lease
- •Long-term Lease
- •Flexible Lease
Segment Share By Type
Share, By Type, 2025 (%)
- Standard Containers
- Refrigerated Containers
- Specialized Containers
- Ventilated Containers

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Why are Standard Containers dominating the Global Dry Container Leasing Market?
Standard containers represent the overwhelming majority of the market due to their unparalleled versatility and widespread application across almost all industries. Their simple design and robust construction make them suitable for transporting a vast array of dry goods, from manufactured products to raw materials. This broad utility, coupled with their cost effectiveness and easy interchangeability across various transport modes, underpins their substantial market share, making them the default choice for most leasing needs globally.
Which end user segments are primary drivers for dry container leasing?
The shipping industry and logistics companies collectively form the bedrock of demand for dry container leasing. The shipping industry requires massive fleets of dry containers to facilitate global trade flows, relying on leasing to manage fluctuating demand and capital expenditure. Similarly, logistics companies utilize leased containers for efficient intermodal transport and storage solutions, ensuring seamless supply chains for diverse clients. Both segments prioritize operational flexibility and cost optimization offered by leasing models.
How does container size influence lease demand within the market?
Container size significantly influences lease demand, with 20 foot and 40 foot containers holding the largest market share due to their standardized dimensions and compatibility with global infrastructure. The 20 foot containers are valued for their portability and suitability for heavier cargo, while 40 foot containers offer greater volume efficiency, catering to light and bulky goods. These standard sizes facilitate seamless integration into existing shipping and logistics networks, making them the preferred options for lessors and lessees worldwide.
What Regulatory and Policy Factors Shape the Global Dry Container Leasing Market
The global dry container leasing market is profoundly shaped by a multi layered regulatory framework. International conventions, notably the International Convention for Safe Containers CSC and SOLAS Safety of Life at Sea, establish crucial standards for container design, maintenance, and safe operation across borders. These directly impact manufacturing specifications and operational compliance for lessors.
Regional and national policies significantly influence market dynamics. Customs regulations, including import export duties and specific clearance procedures, vary widely, affecting turnaround times and operational efficiency. Environmental regulations concerning emissions, materials used in manufacturing, and end of life container disposal are increasingly stringent, driving sustainability initiatives. Geopolitical trade policies, sanctions, and economic alliances create fluctuating demand patterns and logistical constraints. Security initiatives like CTPAT and AEO programs necessitate robust supply chain security, impacting container tracking and handling protocols. Taxation policies on leasing income and cross border transactions further refine market viability and investor interest globally.
What New Technologies are Shaping Global Dry Container Leasing Market?
The dry container leasing market is poised for significant evolution driven by transformative technologies. IoT and smart container innovations are enhancing operational efficiency, offering real time location tracking, precise condition monitoring for cargo integrity, and enabling predictive maintenance. This shift significantly improves asset utilization and security across global supply chains. Blockchain technology is emerging to provide immutable records for leasing agreements, ensuring unparalleled transparency and trust among all parties while streamlining payment processes. Furthermore, the adoption of sustainable materials, including lightweight composites and recycled content, is reducing environmental footprints and improving transport fuel efficiency. Automation and robotics are also streamlining container handling at depots and ports, accelerating turnaround times and minimizing human intervention. Concurrently, advanced digital platforms leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning are optimizing demand forecasting, pricing strategies, and logistics, allowing leasing providers to offer more agile and responsive solutions worldwide. These innovations collectively drive market growth by enhancing efficiency, security, and sustainability.
Global Dry Container Leasing Market Regional Analysis
Global Dry Container Leasing Market
Trends, by Region

Asia-Pacific Market
Revenue Share, 2025
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Dominant Region
Asia Pacific · 45.2% share
Asia Pacific stands as the dominant region in the global dry container leasing market, commanding a significant 45.2% market share. This dominance is primarily driven by the region's robust manufacturing base, particularly in China and other Southeast Asian countries, which are major exporters of goods. The extensive network of seaports and well established logistics infrastructure further facilitates the high demand for dry containers. Rapid economic growth, increasing trade volumes, and the expanding e commerce sector across Asia Pacific consistently fuel the need for leased containers to transport diverse commodities. This makes the region a critical hub for container leasing activities globally.
Fastest Growing Region
Asia Pacific · 7.9% CAGR
The Asia Pacific region is poised for significant expansion in the global dry container leasing market, projected to achieve the fastest growth with a robust CAGR of 7.9% during the 2026-2035 forecast period. This surge is primarily fueled by the region's burgeoning manufacturing sector and increasing intra regional trade volumes. Rapid industrialization and urbanization across countries like India and Southeast Asian nations are driving up demand for efficient logistics and transportation solutions. The rise of e-commerce further exacerbates the need for reliable container availability. Furthermore, strategic infrastructure investments in port capacity and inland connectivity are enhancing trade capabilities, making container leasing an attractive and flexible option for businesses managing diverse supply chains.
Top Countries Overview
The U.S. plays a significant role in the global dry container leasing market, driven by its vast trade volumes and extensive logistics network. Major lessors operate within or facilitate services for U.S. demand, which fluctuates with import/export trends and economic activity. U.S.-based companies, alongside international players, contribute to the market's dynamism by providing essential equipment for global trade, influencing fleet utilization and pricing.
China dominates global dry container leasing. CIMC and Singamas, two Chinese manufacturers, are the world's largest, producing over 80% of containers. Their expansive manufacturing capabilities, strategic port access, and competitive pricing have solidified China's central role, impacting supply chains and logistics globally by providing essential equipment for international trade and shipping.
India is a crucial growth engine in the global dry container leasing market. Its booming manufacturing and export sectors, coupled with expanding trade routes and infrastructure development, drive substantial demand. Indian lessors and shipping lines increasingly rely on leased containers to manage capacity fluctuations and optimize logistics, making it a key player in the market's continued expansion and innovation.
Impact of Geopolitical and Macroeconomic Factors
Geopolitical shifts impact the dry container leasing market profoundly. Escalating trade wars, like those between the the US and China, alter shipping routes and demand patterns, creating surpluses or shortages in specific regions. Geopolitical instability in critical maritime chokepoints, such as the Strait of Hormuz or the Suez Canal, leads to rerouting and longer transit times, increasing demand for containers to bridge these gaps. Sanctions against countries like Russia also disrupt established trade networks, forcing container lessors to adapt their portfolios and reevaluate risk exposure in previously lucrative markets.
Macroeconomic factors significantly shape the market. Global GDP growth directly correlates with trade volumes and container demand. Inflationary pressures influence operating costs for lessors, including maintenance and repositioning expenses, potentially affecting lease rates. Interest rate hikes impact financing costs for acquiring new containers, influencing the supply side. A strong US dollar can make dollar denominated leases more expensive for international clients, while a weakening dollar might stimulate demand. Supply chain disruptions, often driven by pandemics or natural disasters, create bottlenecks and drive short term leasing demand.
Recent Developments
- March 2025
Textainer Group Holdings Limited announced a strategic partnership with a leading sustainable materials manufacturer to develop and integrate lightweight, high-strength composite materials into their dry container fleet. This initiative aims to reduce container tare weight, thereby improving fuel efficiency and lowering carbon emissions during shipping operations.
- January 2025
Triton International Limited completed the acquisition of a significant portion of a smaller regional container lessor's fleet, primarily comprising 20ft and 40ft standard dry containers. This acquisition expands Triton's global inventory and market share in key emerging markets, strengthening its position as a dominant player.
- February 2025
Seaco Global Limited launched an advanced IoT-enabled dry container leasing service, integrating real-time tracking, temperature monitoring, and humidity sensors into a substantial portion of their new container orders. This product launch offers enhanced supply chain visibility and cargo integrity assurances for customers transporting sensitive goods.
- April 2025
Chronos Group initiated a strategic initiative focused on digitizing the entire container leasing lifecycle, from booking and contract management to off-hire inspections. This comprehensive digital transformation aims to streamline operations, reduce administrative costs, and provide a more efficient customer experience through a new online portal.
- December 2024
Blue Sky Intermodal announced a major investment in a new series of 'smart containers' featuring integrated solar panels and battery storage for powering internal sensors and future automated locking mechanisms. This product launch positions them at the forefront of sustainable and technologically advanced dry container offerings, appealing to environmentally conscious clients.
Key Players Analysis
Leading players like Triton International, Textainer Group, and Seaco Global dominate the dry container leasing market, providing essential equipment for global trade. They leverage advanced tracking technologies and digital platforms to manage vast fleets efficiently. Strategic initiatives include expanding leasing portfolios, optimizing logistics, and investing in new container designs for sustainability. The market growth is driven by increasing global trade volumes, a growing focus on intermodal transport, and the continuous need for new and refurbished containers. Smaller players like TWS Container Service and Chronos Group contribute to market dynamism by offering specialized services and regional strengths.
List of Key Companies:
- TWS Container Service
- Seaco Global Limited
- Chronos Group
- Textainer Group Holdings Limited
- Blue Sky Intermodal
- Bergé Group
- Triton International Limited
- Esther International
- Containerships
- TSA Container Services
- Pereira Container Leasing
- Bertschi AG
- Liferaft Solutions
- Dublin Container Leasing
- EMC Containers
Report Scope and Segmentation
| Report Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Market Size (2025) | USD 5.9 Billion |
| Forecast Value (2035) | USD 9.8 Billion |
| CAGR (2026-2035) | 5.4% |
| Base Year | 2025 |
| Historical Period | 2020-2025 |
| Forecast Period | 2026-2035 |
| Segments Covered |
|
| Regional Analysis |
|
Table of Contents:
List of Figures
List of Tables
Table 1: Global Dry Container Leasing Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Type, 2020-2035
Table 2: Global Dry Container Leasing Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by End Use, 2020-2035
Table 3: Global Dry Container Leasing Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Container Size, 2020-2035
Table 4: Global Dry Container Leasing Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Lease Duration, 2020-2035
Table 5: Global Dry Container Leasing Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Region, 2020-2035
Table 6: North America Dry Container Leasing Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Type, 2020-2035
Table 7: North America Dry Container Leasing Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by End Use, 2020-2035
Table 8: North America Dry Container Leasing Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Container Size, 2020-2035
Table 9: North America Dry Container Leasing Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Lease Duration, 2020-2035
Table 10: North America Dry Container Leasing Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Country, 2020-2035
Table 11: Europe Dry Container Leasing Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Type, 2020-2035
Table 12: Europe Dry Container Leasing Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by End Use, 2020-2035
Table 13: Europe Dry Container Leasing Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Container Size, 2020-2035
Table 14: Europe Dry Container Leasing Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Lease Duration, 2020-2035
Table 15: Europe Dry Container Leasing Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Country/ Sub-region, 2020-2035
Table 16: Asia Pacific Dry Container Leasing Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Type, 2020-2035
Table 17: Asia Pacific Dry Container Leasing Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by End Use, 2020-2035
Table 18: Asia Pacific Dry Container Leasing Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Container Size, 2020-2035
Table 19: Asia Pacific Dry Container Leasing Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Lease Duration, 2020-2035
Table 20: Asia Pacific Dry Container Leasing Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Country/ Sub-region, 2020-2035
Table 21: Latin America Dry Container Leasing Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Type, 2020-2035
Table 22: Latin America Dry Container Leasing Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by End Use, 2020-2035
Table 23: Latin America Dry Container Leasing Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Container Size, 2020-2035
Table 24: Latin America Dry Container Leasing Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Lease Duration, 2020-2035
Table 25: Latin America Dry Container Leasing Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Country/ Sub-region, 2020-2035
Table 26: Middle East & Africa Dry Container Leasing Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Type, 2020-2035
Table 27: Middle East & Africa Dry Container Leasing Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by End Use, 2020-2035
Table 28: Middle East & Africa Dry Container Leasing Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Container Size, 2020-2035
Table 29: Middle East & Africa Dry Container Leasing Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Lease Duration, 2020-2035
Table 30: Middle East & Africa Dry Container Leasing Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Country/ Sub-region, 2020-2035
