China’s Share of Global Container Exports Hits 40%
China's share of global container exports reached about 40% on a rolling three-month measure, with exporters leaning on overseas demand as domestic consumption stays weak. The share rose by 2.5 percentage points in nine months, according to Jens Eskelund of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China. Trading partners have raised concerns over widening imbalances. Companies have reduced direct exposure to North America, but shipments to Europe and to emerging markets have expanded.
Asia-Europe trade shows the change. Data compiled by the Japan Maritime Centre from Container Trade Statistics show exports from Asia to Europe reached 10.77 million teu in the first half of 2026. Eskelund said the imbalance on that corridor widened to six containers moving from China to Europe for every one moving the other way during the first eight months of 2026. Alphaliner data show Shanghai remained the busiest container port, and Ningbo-Zhoushan overtook Singapore for second place.
Heavier flows from China to Europe and lighter returns change load factors on that corridor. Chinese exporters are also sending more containers to Africa, Latin America, the Middle East and Southeast Asia, and some shipments bound for the US enter through third countries. The European Commission is considering additional import tariffs and other measures, while European businesses are calling for wider market access in sectors including medical devices, financial services and shipping.