China's Inland Ports Experience Growth Despite Fluctuating International Shipping Rates

China's Inland Ports Experience Growth Despite Fluctuating International Shipping Rates

By
Luisa Chen
3 min read

China's Inland Ports Experience Growth Despite Fluctuating International Shipping Rates

Container shipping rates have shown a fifth consecutive week of decline, with prices falling faster on European routes while the decrease on American routes has narrowed. Meanwhile, the throughput of cargo at ports along the Yangtze River has surged by 4.3% from January to July, reaching 2.26 billion tons. Additionally, container throughput has grown by 3.4%, amounting to 15.22 million TEU. Moreover, there has been a significant increase in the volume of containerized rail-water transportation, which has surged by 21% to reach 360,000 TEU, a 2.3% increase in the cargo load of pilotage vessels, reaching 270 million tons. These statistics demonstrate that despite the fluctuations in international container shipping rates, the domestic transport volume at ports in China continues to steadily grow. Furthermore, the minimum maintenance water depth for the Wuhan to Anqing section has been officially raised to 6 meters, and the planned stoppage maintenance of the Three Gorges and Gezhouba Dam ship locks has been completed on schedule, thereby further improving shipping efficiency.

The root cause of the continued decline in container shipping rates, particularly on European routes, can be attributed to a combination of oversupply of shipping capacity and weaker-than-expected demand in certain global markets. The post-pandemic period has seen a significant imbalance between the supply of shipping containers and the demand for goods, leading to falling prices. In particular, European routes have been hit harder due to slower economic recovery and reduced consumer spending, which has led to a faster decline in rates compared to American routes. On the other hand, the narrower decline in rates on American routes suggests that demand remains relatively stronger in the U.S., though still not enough to prevent a downward trend in pricing.

Meanwhile, despite the fluctuations in international shipping rates, China's domestic transport volume continues to grow steadily, driven by robust internal trade and infrastructure improvements. The increase in cargo throughput along the Yangtze River, enhanced by better waterway conditions and completed maintenance projects like the Three Gorges and Gezhouba Dam ship locks, has significantly boosted efficiency. This steady growth in domestic logistics indicates a strong internal market and a strategic shift toward improving domestic supply chains, potentially cushioning the impact of declining global shipping rates on the Chinese economy. Experts note that while global shipping rates fluctuate due to international market dynamics, China's focused efforts on enhancing domestic transport infrastructure and efficiency may help maintain stability in its broader economic activities​.

Key Takeaways

  • The cargo throughput at ports along the Yangtze River has grown by 4.3% from January to July 2024
  • The container throughput during the same period increased by 3.4%, and the rail-water intermodal transport volume surged by 21%
  • The cargo load of pilotage vessels increased by 2.3%, and the minimum maintenance water depth for the Wuhan to Anqing section has been raised to 6 meters
  • The planned stoppage maintenance of the Three Gorges and Gezhouba Dam ship locks has been completed
  • According to the International Air Transport Association, the first half of 2024 witnessed a record high in global air freight volume

Analysis

The adjustments in container shipping rates may be influenced by global economic fluctuations and changes in trade demand. The accelerated decline in European route rates may be related to the economic slowdown in that region, while the narrowed decline in American route rates reflects a relatively stable economy. The growth in domestic port throughput, especially the enhancement of rail-water intermodal transport and the increased cargo load of pilotage vessels, indicates an improvement in China's inland transportation efficiency. In the long term, the increases in water depth and the maintenance of ship locks will further enhance shipping efficiency and strengthen China's competitiveness in global logistics. These changes will have profound impacts on shipping companies, traders, and the global supply chain.

Did You Know?

  • Rail-Water Container Transport
    • Explanation: This transport method combines rail and waterways for moving containers, offering a cost-effective solution for transporting large volumes of containers over long distances, particularly beneficial in regions with well-developed rail and waterway networks.
  • TEU (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Unit)
    • Explanation: This standard unit measures container ship capacity and cargo volume, enabling easy comparison and calculation of container capacities across different vessels and terminals.
  • The Three Gorges and Gezhouba Dam Ship Locks
    • Explanation: These locks facilitate efficient river transport along the Yangtze River and require regular maintenance and upgrades to ensure smooth operation.

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