China’s Ports Remain World’s Largest by Cargo and Container Throughput in 2025

China’s port cargo throughput reached 18.3 billion tonnes and container throughput hit 354 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in 2025, both ranking first globally, according to data released by the Ministry of Transport on July 11, the 22nd China Maritime Day. The figures, announced at the main China Maritime Day event in Beijing, underscore China’s continued dominance in global maritime trade and logistics, with the country’s international shipping volume accounting for nearly one-third of the global total, as Xinhua News reported.

Context: A Maritime Powerhouse

The data release came as part of the 2026 China Maritime Day announcement, which declared that China has become “a veritable maritime power, shipbuilding power, and ocean power.” The Ministry of Transport highlighted that China’s shipping routes and service networks now cover all major global trade countries and regions. Among the world’s top 10 ports by cargo throughput, eight are Chinese, and six of the top 10 container ports are in China. The country’s shipbuilding industry has led global market share for 16 consecutive years, while the marine economy — measured as ocean GDP — exceeded 11 trillion RMB.

According to CCTV News, the 2026 China Maritime Day theme, “Digital Intelligence Empowers, Navigating the Future,” reflects the country’s strategic focus on integrating AI and digital technologies into port operations and maritime logistics.

Key Developments: Record-Breaking Performance Across Major Ports

China’s major ports delivered standout performances in 2025. Shanghai Port handled over 55.06 million TEUs, securing the top global ranking for the 16th consecutive year. Ningbo Zhoushan Port became the first port in the world to exceed 1.4 billion tonnes of cargo throughput, while also surpassing 40 million TEUs in container volume for the first time.

Emerging ports also posted remarkable growth. Beibu Gulf Port entered the “10 million TEU club” in 2025, with container throughput growing 11.6% year-on-year. Yangpu Port, driven by the Hainan Free Trade Port’s full customs closure operations, saw container throughput surge 65% to 3.3 million TEUs. Shandong Port Group’s total cargo throughput exceeded 1.9 billion tonnes, with container throughput surpassing 47 million TEUs.

In-depth analysis from 21st Century Business Herald noted that China’s port throughput growth occurred despite significant global trade uncertainty, including US-China tariff disputes and geopolitical tensions. The publication reported that China’s share of global container exports rose from 34% in 2019 to 38% in 2025, demonstrating deepening global reliance on Chinese manufacturing and logistics.

Analysis: Resilience Amid Global Headwinds

Wang Guowen, Director of the Logistics and Supply Chain Management Institute at the China (Shenzhen) Comprehensive Development Institute, told 21st Century Business Herald that the stable growth of China’s port cargo and container volumes “actually demonstrates the steady growth of China’s economic scale and international trade volume” despite an unstable external environment. He noted that Chinese ports are transforming beyond traditional cargo handling into supply chain hubs, taking on logistics, distribution, and upstream-downstream coordination roles.

Maersk Greater China President Ding Zejuan highlighted that China’s foreign trade achieved steady growth “against the backdrop of frequent changes in US-China tariff policies.” She pointed to China’s rising share of global container exports — from 34% to 38% — as evidence of the competitiveness of Chinese manufacturing and technology.

China has also invested heavily in port modernization, with 60 fully automated terminals now operational nationwide — the most of any country. Shanghai and Qingdao ports boast the world’s highest container handling efficiency, exceeding 60 natural containers per hour per crane. The “AI + Transportation” implementation opinion issued in 2025 signals further integration of artificial intelligence into port operations.

What’s Next: Digitalization, Green Shipping, and Route Diversification

Looking ahead, China’s port sector faces several key trends. The 2026 Maritime Day theme signals that AI and automation will be central to the next phase of port development. Green shipping technologies — including methanol and hydrogen fuel — are being prioritized for the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030).

Route diversification is reshaping global shipping patterns. The first China-Europe Arctic container express route, opened in September 2025, cuts transit time from Ningbo to the UK to just 18 days — roughly half the time required via the Suez Canal. Chinese ports are also expanding connections to Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia.

However, analysts caution that geopolitical risks remain. US-China trade tensions, Red Sea security concerns, and potential port fee disputes continue to introduce uncertainty. Wang Guowen emphasized that “resilience building and diversified trade channels” must remain a priority for both national strategy and operational continuity.

With its world-leading throughput volumes, accelerating automation, and strategic investments in new trade routes, China’s maritime sector is well-positioned to maintain its global dominance — even as the industry navigates an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.