The first half of 2025 has reaffirmed China’s position at the heart of global container trade, as its major ports continue to dominate international throughput rankings.
Updated figures confirm the extraordinary scale of Chinese maritime activity, with Shanghai once again securing its place as the world’s busiest container port, well ahead of global peers.
1. Port of Shanghai
The Port of Shanghai remains unrivalled, reporting container volumes of 27,060,000 TEUs for January to June 2025. Its advanced deep-water berths, cutting-edge automation at Yangshan terminal, and pivotal position in Asia–Europe trade make it the nerve centre of global shipping.
Shanghai’s half-year figures put it on pace to surpass the 50 million TEU mark again in 2025, underscoring its continued expansion and industry leadership.
2. Port of Ningbo-Zhoushan
The Ningbo-Zhoushan Port handled 21,048,000 TEUs in the first half, confirming its role as a key node along the Yangtze River Delta. The port integrates sea–river multimodal transport, linking coastal shipping to vast inland markets while continually modernising with shore power and digitalised loading systems.
Its annualised throughput keeps it among the top three ports worldwide, rivalled only by Shanghai and Singapore.
3. Port of Shenzhen
With 17,230,200 TEUs processed, Shenzhen Port secures third in China, reflecting strong demand for high-value technology and electronics exports.
In 2024, Shenzhen Port Group, in partnership with the Port of Long Beach and other stakeholders, signed a Memorandum of Understanding to decarbonise ocean trade and foster sustainable maritime development.
4. Port of Qingdao
Port of Qingdao saw volumes reach 16,380,000 TEUs, cementing its position as northern China’s leading export port.
Qingdao Port’s automated terminal, managed by Shandong Port Group, made global headlines in May by setting a new world record in container handling efficiency. During the unloading of the Cap San Lazaro vessel, the terminal achieved an unprecedented average productivity of 62.62 TEUs per hour per crane.
In addition to automation advancements, Qingdao Port is pioneering green maritime technology with the launch of China’s first hydrogen-electric tugboat in June 2025.
5. Port of Guangzhou
Completing the top five, Port of Guangzhou recorded 13,640,000 TEUs, benefiting from its location near dense industrial clusters.
The port’s eco-focused upgrades, including the rollout of electric handling equipment and wider rail connectivity, bolster its competitiveness in a crowded market and support its green-port ambitions.
Top Chinese ports by TEUs: January-June 2025
| Port | Jan–Jun 2025 TEUs |
|---|---|
| Shanghai | 27,060,000 |
| Ningbo-Zhoushan | 21,048,000 |
| Shenzhen | 17,230,200 |
| Qingdao | 16,380,000 |
| Guangzhou | 13,640,000 |
Explore Port Technology International’s exclusive mid-year rankings on US ports for the first half of 2025! Discover the latest data on container throughput, port growth, and key trends shaping America’s busiest maritime hubs.
