China's Top Container Ports in 2025: What Global Shippers Need to Know
Content Menu
- Overview of China's Port Industry in 2025
- Top 20 Ports in China by Cargo Throughput
- Top 20 Container Ports in China by TEUs
- Regional Port Highlights: Yangtze Delta, Bohai Rim, GBA
- Trends Shaping China's Port Development
- What This Means for Global Shippers
- How Xiamen AE Global Supports Your Logistics in China
1. Overview of China's Port Industry in 2025
In the first half of 2025, China's port industry showed solid growth across cargo and container volumes, reflecting a steady recovery in global demand and the country's ongoing strength in supply chain infrastructure. According to the Ministry of Transport, China's total cargo throughput reached 8.903 billion tons, a year-on-year increase of 4.0%, while container throughput hit 172.8 million TEUs, marking a 6.9% rise.
These figures demonstrate China's continued dominance in global shipping and its critical role in international trade, especially for businesses relying on efficient ocean freight, airfreight, and multimodal transport solutions.
2. Top 20 Ports in China by Cargo Throughput (H1 2025)
| Rank | Port Name | Cargo Throughput (10,000 tons) | YoY Growth (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ningbo-Zhoushan Port | 713,750 | 0.9% |
| 2 | Tangshan Port | 433,570 | 0.8% |
| 3 | Shanghai Port | 425,590 | 0.0% |
| 4 | Qingdao Port | 370,340 | 2.1% |
| 5 | Guangzhou Port | 329,590 | 2.7% |
| 6 | Rizhao Port | 322,990 | 3.6% |
| 7 | Suzhou Port | 299,200 | 4.0% |
| 8 | Tianjin Port | 296,370 | 2.3% |
| 9 | Yantai Port | 269,370 | 6.4% |
| 10 | Beibu Gulf Port | 238,410 | 8.7% |
Ningbo-Zhoushan continues to lead as the busiest port by cargo tonnage, showcasing its capacity to handle large-scale multi-commodity shipments. Shandong's ports-Qingdao, Rizhao, and Yantai-highlight the success of regional coordination and infrastructure investments.
3. Top 20 Container Ports in China by TEUs (H1 2025)
| Rank | Port Name | Container Throughput (10,000 TEUs) | YoY Growth (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shanghai Port | 2,706 | 6.1% |
| 2 | Ningbo-Zhoushan Port | 2,105 | 9.8% |
| 3 | Shenzhen Port | 1,723 | 10.8% |
| 4 | Qingdao Port | 1,638 | 7.8% |
| 5 | Guangzhou Port | 1,364 | 7.7% |
| 6 | Tianjin Port | 1,225 | 3.1% |
| 7 | Xiamen Port | 594 | 1.1% |
| 8 | Suzhou Port | 504 | 3.1% |
| 9 | Beibu Gulf Port | 476 | 10.1% |
| 10 | Rizhao Port | 366 | 9.0% |
Shanghai Port retains the crown in container handling, while Ningbo-Zhoushan and Shenzhen show strong double-digit growth. Emerging ports like Beibu Gulf and Tangshan (with +27.1% growth) are rapidly gaining ground, presenting new opportunities for international trade routes.
4. Regional Port Highlights
Yangtze River Delta (YRD)
Home to Shanghai, Ningbo-Zhoushan, and Suzhou, the YRD remains China's logistics powerhouse. It benefits from extensive hinterland connections, world-class terminals, and intermodal capabilities-ideal for integrated air and ocean freight solutions.
Bohai Rim
Ports such as Tianjin, Tangshan, and Dalian are vital for Northeast Asia trade. Their proximity to major manufacturing bases and improved rail-sea transport options are boosting efficiency for bulk and containerized goods.
Greater Bay Area (GBA)
Shenzhen and Guangzhou maintain robust throughput volumes, underpinned by electronics, automotive, and e-commerce exports. These ports are essential hubs for ODM businesses and fast-paced global shipments.
5. Trends Shaping China's Port Development
- Regional Integration: Coordinated development among ports in Shandong, YRD, and GBA supports smoother inter-port transfers and cost efficiencies.
- Digitalization & Automation: China's smart port upgrades are improving efficiency, reducing dwell times, and enhancing customs processing.
- Green Port Initiatives: Investment in LNG-fueled vessels, shore power, and sustainable infrastructure is reshaping port operations to meet global ESG expectations.
- Inland Port Connectivity: Enhanced rail-water intermodal services extend port access deep into China's interior, streamlining multimodal freight solutions.
6. What This Means for Global Shippers
For international companies sourcing from or selling to China, understanding the capabilities of top Chinese container ports is crucial. Choosing the right port means faster lead times, reduced costs, and smoother customs clearance.
Whether you're exporting electronics from Shenzhen, importing textiles via Ningbo, or coordinating a complex shipment through Shanghai, selecting the right logistics partner is essential.
7. How Xiamen AE Global Supports Your Logistics in China
At Xiamen AE Global, we help international businesses navigate China's dynamic port landscape. Our team offers:
- Ocean freight and airfreight services across all major Chinese ports
- Real-time tracking, customs clearance, and warehousing
- Project cargo and break bulk shipping for oversized or non-containerized goods
- Strategic guidance on port selection, route optimization, and compliance
With operational strength and an international network, we make shipping from China simpler, faster, and more cost-effective.
China's container ports are not just gateways-they're engines driving the global supply chain. With port infrastructure advancing rapidly, 2025 marks another strong year of growth and innovation. Partner with Xiamen AE Global Logistics to leverage China's port power for your global freight needs.