Container ports throughout the world are still thriving even after a disruptive last year. Last year, volumes at the top 50 global ports rose by 6.45 million TEUs, a 1.2% year-over-year increase.
Let’s take a look at the past and how some volume continued to grow at several top global ports, while volume at other top global ports saw declines.
We’ll also take a look at how some of the top global ports fared in the first half of 2023.
Volume Growth at Ports
Ports in Europe –
- Back in 2022, Port Rotterdam and Port of Hamburg saw declines of 5.5% and 5.7%, respectively.
- While the Port of Antwerp saw volumes rise 12.3%, per data.
When we take a look at data from the first half of 2023, Port Rotterdam saw a decline of 8.2% in first half volumes compared to the first half of last year.
While the Port of Antwerp saw a 5.5% percent decline in the same time period.
Ports in Asia –
- Out of the JOC’s Top 50 Global Container Port rankings, 14 Chinese ports (besides Hong Kong and Yingkau) saw volumes rise in 2022.
Taking a look at data from Port Technology, during the first half of this year (January-June) ports in China are nearing 150 million TEUs, which would be an increase of 4.8% year-over-year.
Additionally, the Port of Shanghai saw an increase in container volumes of 9.5% year-over-year, totaling at 23.7 million TEUs.
Ports in the U.S. –
- The Port of Los Angeles/Long Beach came in at number 9 on the JOC’s Top 50 Global Container Port Rankings in 2022, with the Port of New York and New Jersey coming in at number 17.
Looking at data from the National Retail Federation, during the first half of this year U.S. ports handled 10.5 million TEUs, which is down 22% from the first half of last year.
Looking Ahead
When the year is over, it will be interesting to take a look at first half volumes and see how they compare or differ from the second half of 2023.
Should you have any questions regarding this and how it could impact your shipments, please reach out to our team today.
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