Emerald Freight offers a freight forwarding service that provides the most effective logistics solutions for importing and exporting goods. China has several of the largest ports in the world. These are busy, trade hubs that are driving its economy ever higher.

For businesses importing from China, it is vital that they have a trustworthy, reliable freight forwarding service that they can work with. China is one of the largest economies in the world, and as one of the largest countries with a long coastline, it is no wonder that it is one of the centres of international trade. In 2024, the EU imported €517.8 billion worth of goods from China, exporting €213.3 billion.

This is a guide to the top 10 ports in China, and how each provides the means to connect different trading posts around the globe. It is a country that is indispensable to the global supply chain, allowing for the movement of billions of Euro worth of goods each year.

Let’s get down to the list!

Shanghai

The busiest port in the World, the Port of Shanghai is a powerhouse of global trade, with a throughput that surpasses any other port in the world. For example, in 2020, it handled 43,5 million TEUs (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units). It was the first Chinese port to trade on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, doing so in 2006. It has over 13,000 employees on site, just under 3,000 vessels in port, and trades with the United States, Japan, Hong Kong, United Kingdom, and Germany, as top trading partners. Its location is key to its success, with access to both the northern and southern coasts of China, where the Yangtze River meets the coastal transit routes that allow access to the global sea routes.

Shenzhen

The Port of Shenzhen in the Guangdong Province is another of the largest and most significant ports in China. It has over 27 million TEU and 130 container lines, with over 12,000 employees. The Port of Shenzhen converts three main ports, Yantian, Nanshan, and Dachan Bay. Covering over 260 kilometres of coastline, there are over 40 shopping companies that call it home, and there are over 300 ports across 100 countries that connect with Shenzhen. It is often referred to as the Silicon Valley of Hardware due to it being a logistical hub for future technology and trade.

Ningbo-Zhoushan

Handling a total of over 33 million TEU in 2022, the Port of Ningbo-Zhoushan is a state-owned company of Zhejiang Province. It hosts over 300 companies and over 30,000 employees primarily working within the marine industry, and the management and capital operation of sea and port resources. Its top trading partners are the EU, United States, and ASEAN.

Guangzhou

The main port for Guangzhou City, it is the largest all-encompassing port in South China, serving over 300 ports in over 80 countries. It’s a major economic hub, providing transportation routes for the Guangdong province and the Pearl River Delta. It serves as a significant meeting point for trade and shipping routes for Dongxiang, Xinjiang, and Beijing, with over 24 million TEU. Commonly, exports from Guangzhou include tea, gold, silver, iron, copper, and silk, trading with the US, Japan, South Korea, and Thailand.

Hong Kong

One of the most significant historical ports, Hong Kong has become one of the busiest trading hubs in China over the decades since it was returned to China from British rule. It was in fact, the busiest cargo port in the world for much of the late 1980s through to the early 2000s. There are 11 separate yard sites and just under 3,200 meters of waterfront. The natural harbour and the deep waters of Victoria Harbour play a crucial role in making Hong Kong one of the most important ports, with over 250 million tons of cargo.

Qingdao

A large seaport on the Yellow Sea is one of the top ten busiest ports in the whole world. Back in 2011, it joined with other ports in China to form an alliance with ports in the Republic of Korea (ROK). There’s a large facility that is perfect for handling iron ore cargo. It functions with over 600 million tonnes of cargo, trading with ASEAN, the EU, and the United States, working with over 9,000 employees.

Tianjin

Formerly known as Tanggu, it is the biggest port in Northern China and is the major maritime entry point for Beijing. It handles over 500 million tonnes of cargo and has undergone expansions over the years to be able to accommodate large volumes of goods on a consistent basis. It is renowned for moving bulk oil and liquid cargo, with roll-on, roll-off terminals for grain and edible oils. Major trade partners include the United States, Japan, and South Korea.

Dalian

In use since 1899, the port is located on the Liaodong peninsula, the most northern Chinese harbour where the water does not freeze. There are 80 berths with ships carrying over 10,000 tonnes of cargo. It commonly moves oils, coal, mineral oil, and grain, with links to over 90 trade routes over the world. It’s the second largest transhipment hub in China, serving over 300 ports.

Xiamen

A deep-sea port on the island of Xiamen on the Jiulongjiang River, it is in the top 20 cargo ports in the world. It’s capable of handling massive boats and smaller, older ships. After merging with Zhangzhou in 2001 become one of the biggest ports in the world. Over 10 millions TEU and around 220 million tonnes, the port extends over 30 kilometres of the harbour trading tea, wheat, fertilizers, coal, and sugar to the United States and the EU.

Yingkou

One of the smaller Chinese ports, but still larger than many of the biggest ports in other countries around the world. There are 27 berths alongside smaller docks and piers exporting and importing grain, steel, cars, and coal, foodstuffs, electronics, and other mass-produced commodities. It has 6.5 million TEU, and goods such as coal, steel, vehicles, oil tar, minerals and container transfers with Japan, Korea, and the United States.

Working with a specialist freight forwarder

There are several benefits to working with a freight forwarder that has expertise of delivering and receiving goods to and from China. We have a wealth of experience in delivering logistics solutions to businesses of various sizes and in varied sectors. A tailored approach is key to building the most effective shipping solutions, no matter which of the Chinese ports your goods are being delivered in and out of. Our global connections provide you with the means to deliver goods by air, sea, or road, with security certification minimising potential customs delays. Connect with a freight expert today and we’ll be with you from the planning stage of the journey through transit, customs clearance processes, and the delivery of goods.