This report profiles China’s shipping and port industry, covering data up to March 31, 2014. The report also discusses market trends and highlights key leading players in the sector including China Shipping Container Lines, China Shipping Development, COSCO Shipping, Shanghai International Port (Group), Tianjin Port Holdings, Ningbo Port Group and Dalian Port (PDA).

The world shipping industry was still overshadowed by shipping capacity oversupply and weak international trade in 2013. Freight rates continued to decline amid nominal increase in capacity due to new deliveries. Slow steaming and the dismantling of old vessels were less effective as mitigation measures. Countries around the world continued to invest in port development amid world trade uncertainties.

Growth in international trade was single digit for China in 2013. China saw a decline in exports value but an increase in imports value during the first quarter of 2014. China-ASEAN trades are expected to be one of the bright spots for container trade. Chinese liner companies need to navigate the rough water in 2014 despite the increasing containerization in general cargo trade due to prolonged oversupply globally.

Key Points:

• The number of berths that are capable of receiving 10,000-dwt vessels and larger is on the rise.

• Dry bulk commodities remained the largest category of imports in 2013.

• New shipping capacity will continue to drive Chinese liner companies to operate their vessels efficiently while keep costs under tight control in 2014.