In 2024, the world’s top container handling countries, as detailed in the DynaLiners Millionaires report, showed significant growth, with 157 ports handling over one million TEUs each, collectively accounting for 88% of global volume. TEU stands for Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit, a standard measure for container cargo capacity. Global throughput increased by 8% from 2023, reaching 820.6 million TEUs.
Top 10 Container Handling Countries in 2024
- China
China maintains its dominance in container trade with a total throughput of 301.3 million TEU, an 8% increase from 2023. This volume is handled by 30 ports, with Shanghai being the busiest at 51.5 million TEU, followed by Ningbo (39.3 million), Shenzhen (33.4 million), Qingdao (30.9 million), and Guangzhou (26.1 million).
- USA
The United States holds the second position with a total of 55.5 million TEU, showing an 11% growth. Its performance is led by major ports like Los Angeles (10.3 million TEU), Long Beach (9.6 million), and New York (8.7 million).
- Singapore
Singapore, primarily a transshipment hub, is third with 41.1 million TEU, marking a 5% increase. The Port of Singapore handles this entire volume.
- South Korea
South Korea ranks fourth with 30.0 million TEU, a 6% growth from the previous year. The port of Busan alone accounts for the majority of this volume, handling 24.4 million TEU.
- Malaysia
Malaysia is fifth, with 29.4 million TEU and a notable 9% growth. Its top ports are Port Klang and Tanjung Pelepas, which handle 14.6 million and 12.3 million TEU, respectively.
- Vietnam
Vietnam is a fast riser in the rankings, securing the sixth spot with 23.4 million TEU and the highest growth rate among the top 10 at 16%. The ports of Ho Chi Minh (9.2 million TEU), Hai Phong (7.2 million), and Cai Mep (7.1 million) are its key contributors.
- UAE
The UAE ranks seventh, with a throughput of 21.0 million TEU, a 10% increase. The majority of this volume is handled by its two main ports: Dubai (15.5 million TEU) and Abu Dhabi (5.4 million TEU).
- India
India holds the eighth spot with 17.1 million TEU, demonstrating an 11% growth. Its leading ports are Mundra (8.0 million TEU) and Nhava Sheva (7.3 million TEU).
- Japan
Japan is ninth with a total of 15.6 million TEU, experiencing a modest 2% growth. Its container trade is distributed among five ports, with Tokyo being the largest at 4.7 million TEU.
- Spain
Spain rounds out the top 10 with 15.4 million TEU, showing a 10% increase. The ports of Valencia (5.5 million TEU) and Algeciras (4.7 million TEU) are its primary container gateways.
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Source: Container News
