Regional Overview:
Asia is the undisputed leader in global maritime trade, home to the world’s busiest and most advanced container ports. China dominates the list, with ports like Shanghai, Ningbo-Zhoushan, and Shenzhen consistently ranking at the top. These mega ports handle an immense volume of exports driven by the region’s manufacturing powerhouses. In addition to China, key ports in Singapore, South Korea, and the Middle East reinforce Asia’s role as the primary engine of global shipping.
1. Port of Shanghai (China)
The world’s largest container port, Shanghai is a global benchmark in port efficiency and scale.
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Annual Container Volume: 49.2 million TEUs
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Primary Cargo: Electronics, machinery, textiles
2. Port of Singapore
A global transshipment hub with connections to over 600 ports worldwide.
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Annual Container Volume: 39.0 million TEUs
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Primary Cargo: Electronics, petroleum, consumer goods
3. Port of Ningbo-Zhoushan (China)
A rapidly expanding port integrating bulk and containerized cargo.
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Annual Container Volume: 35.3 million TEUs
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Primary Cargo: Industrial materials, machinery, consumer goods
4. Port of Shenzhen (China)
Comprising multiple terminals, it is a major export hub for electronics and high-tech goods.
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Annual Container Volume: 30.7 million TEUs
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Primary Cargo: Electronics, machinery, chemicals
5. Port of Qingdao (China)
One of northern China’s largest ports, serving the Shandong industrial region.
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Annual Container Volume: 25.8 million TEUs
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Primary Cargo: Petrochemicals, grains, mechanical equipment
6. Port of Busan (South Korea)
The largest port in South Korea and a crucial link in Northeast Asian trade.
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Annual Container Volume: 22.7 million TEUs
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Primary Cargo: Automotive parts, electronics, chemicals
7. Port of Guangzhou (China)
Combines container shipping with bulk and breakbulk cargo.
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Annual Container Volume: 23.5 million TEUs
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Primary Cargo: Construction materials, food, garments
8. Port of Hong Kong (China)
A historically significant port now transitioning toward a regional transshipment focus.
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Annual Container Volume: 14.3 million TEUs
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Primary Cargo: Electronics, textiles, re-export goods
9. Port of Tianjin (China)
Beijing’s maritime gateway and northern China’s logistical center.
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Annual Container Volume: 21.0 million TEUs
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Primary Cargo: Steel, machinery, automobiles
10. Port of Jebel Ali (Dubai, UAE)
The largest port in the Middle East and a crucial logistics hub connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe.
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Annual Container Volume: 14.9 million TEUs
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Primary Cargo: Electronics, automobiles, re-exports