The Port of London Authority (PLA) has reported a 250 per cent year-on-year (YoY) increase in imports from China in Q1 2026.
This comes despite overall cargo volumes declining amid softer market conditions and elevated geopolitical uncertainty.
According to the PLA’s latest Quarterly Trade Report, total cargo tonnage through the Port of London fell 7 per cent quarter-on-quarter to 13 million tonnes between January and March 2026.
Imports also dropped to their lowest level in two years, reflecting continued pressure on global trading conditions following a record year in 2025, which saw the highest throughput in five decades.
Oil volumes declined 16 per cent compared with the previous quarter, reaching their lowest level since Q1 2022.
The PLA indicated that broader geopolitical tensions, including disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz, may have contributed to reduced flows in energy markets.
Aggregate volumes continued their downward trend, with construction-related materials falling for a sixth time in seven quarters, underlining ongoing weakness in UK building demand and associated supply chains.
Despite the overall decline, trade with China showed a marked divergence from broader trends. HMRC data indicates UK imports from China rose 8 per cent nationally year-on-year in Q1 2026. However, within the Port of London, imports from China increased by 250 per cent, signalling a shift in routing decisions among shipping lines and importers.
Key inbound commodity groups included electronics, alongside children’s and baby goods, reflecting continued demand for consumer goods flows through the capital’s port system.
READ: Port of London reappoints Non-Executive Chair and Director
Steve Lockwood, Chief Financial Officer at the Port of London Authority, said: “2025 saw the most trade through the Port of London in 50 years, so the cooling off in the first quarter of this year should be viewed in that context of a very strong baseline. Of course, geopolitical issues can be a factor and so we may see that reflected in future quarters, too.
“That said, we continue our ongoing strategy of investing in the Port of London to make it the most attractive and competitive destination for customers. The huge spike in imports from China speaks to the benefit of that approach. An increase of 250 per cent from the UK’s third largest trading partner shows how more importers and shipping lines see London as their port of choice.”
For more information:
Port of London Authority – https://pla.co.uk/
