Top 10 Busiest Container Ports in the World by Container Traffic

Global trade runs on one thing: the smooth flow of goods across the oceans. At the center of it all are container ports — the busy gateways where billions of dollars of cargo move every single day. These ports aren’t just places where ships dock. They’re snapshots of a nation’s economic strength, technology, and strategic importance. From the sneakers on your feet to the steel that builds cities, almost everything passes through these giant hubs.

Here are the top 10 busiest container ports in the world by cargo traffic — ranked by their TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit) traffic

Located at the mouth of the Yangtze River, the Port of Shanghai has held the top spot for over a decade. In 2024, it became the first port in the world to surpass the 50 million TEU mark, handling a total of 51.5 million TEUs. The port is a vital gateway for China's industrial exports and serves as a critical hub for global trade. Its vast and highly automated terminals are a prime example of modern port technology and efficiency.

A strategic and historical powerhouse, the Port of Singapore is known for its efficiency and role as the world's largest transshipment hub. In 2024, it handled an all-time high of 41.1 million TEUs. The port's strategic location on the Strait of Malacca connects it to over 600 ports in more than 120 countries, making it a crucial link in the global supply chain.

Formed by the merger of two major ports, Ningbo-Zhoushan is a rapidly growing giant. In 2024, its container throughput hit 39.3 million TEUs, marking its highest increase in nearly seven years. Its success is driven by its close proximity to major industrial centers in the Zhejiang province and its extensive facilities for handling both containerized and bulk cargo. The port has over 300 container routes, including more than 250 international routes.

Situated in China's Pearl River Delta, the Port of Shenzhen is a major export hub, particularly for high-tech and manufactured goods. From January to August 2024, its Yantian Port alone handled a record-high 10.59 million TEUs, contributing to its overall volume. The port benefits from its close proximity to Hong Kong and the region's massive manufacturing base, with its operations supporting a wide range of global trade flows.

A significant trade gateway in northern China, Qingdao is renowned for its cutting-edge automation. In 2024, the port's container traffic reached 30.87 million TEUs, securing its place among the world's elite. It was one of the first ports in the world to feature a fully automated container terminal, which has significantly boosted its efficiency. The port's role as a major logistics hub for northern China is evidenced by its strong container traffic, which continues to grow due to its focus on optimizing trade routes.

With a rich history as a trading center, Guangzhou has evolved into a modern hub that serves both domestic and international trade. In 2024, it recorded a container throughput of 26.45 million TEUs, ranking it sixth globally. The port handles a diverse array of goods and has strong inland connections, which are crucial for servicing southern China's extensive industrial activities and trade

As the largest port in South Korea, Busan is a vital transshipment and logistics center for Northeast Asia. In 2024, the port handled a record-breaking 24.4 million TEUs, reinforcing its position as a key global player. It acts as a crucial link for trade between East Asia, Russia, and North America. The port’s focus on advanced technology and its strategic location allow it to efficiently handle a high volume of containers, solidifying its competitive edge in the region's dynamic maritime trade.

Serving the massive Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, the Port of Tianjin is a crucial maritime artery for northern China. In 2024, the port's annual container traffic reached 23.29 million TEUs, a significant increase from the previous year. The port specializes in handling a diverse range of cargo and continues to expand its global connectivity and trade volume by launching new direct shipping routes. Its focus on automation and smart port technology has been a key factor in its consistent growth.

Located in Dubai, Jebel Ali is the largest port in the Middle East and a key hub for the region's trade. In 2024, it handled 15.5 million TEUs, its highest volume since 2015. The port acts as a vital link between Asian, European, and African markets. Its growth was fueled by strong local and regional demand, as well as its strategic role in the Jebel Ali Free Zone.

Situated on the Strait of Malacca, one of the world's most important shipping lanes, Port Klang is a crucial transit point for a wide range of goods. For the first time, it was ranked in the top 10 in 2024 by Lloyd's List, handling 14.64 million TEUs. This achievement underscores Malaysia's growing strength as a regional maritime powerhouse and its strategic role along this key shipping route.

What is the busiest container port in the world?

The Port of Shanghai in China is the busiest port in the world. It handles more than 50 million TEUs every single year.

Which country has the most port traffic?

China has the most port traffic in the world. Its ports consistently dominate the global rankings, with a total of seven Chinese ports in the top ten busiest ports worldwide in 2024.

What is the busiest port in Europe?

The Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands is Europe’s largest port. It moves over 14 million TEUs annually, serving all of Northern Europe.

Which region dominates global port rankings?

Asia dominates the list of the world’s busiest container ports. Eight of the top ten are located in China alone.

Are container ports and cargo ports the same?

No, container ports specialize in containers only. Cargo ports often handle bulk, oil, and other freight types too.