The Intermodal Container Leasing industry is heavily dependent on large-scale domestic and international trade levels. Thus, as consumer spending fell during the recession and demand for goods across the economy dipped, fewer containers were needed for the transport of products. However, China's resilience and strong growth throughout the past five years, and the United States' close trade ties to that nation, kept demand for containers used for international trade high. As the US economy continues to recover, the industry is expected to keep growing at a brisk pace. Operating in the Intermodal Container Leasing industry has become a growing part of business for many shipping companies, with many firms leasing just under half of their total container fleet.