Q1 port volume growth points to modest demand recovery

With continuing signs of improvements in container trade volumes from the low rates experienced since 2012, the Top 30 container ports in the world recorded an aggregate throughput growth of 4.7% in the first quarter of 2014, according to Alphaliner.

Chinese ports, excluding Hong Kong, accounted for 10 of the top 30 ports, although results were mixed, with aggregate growth reaching 5.1%; this compares with the 7.3% increase at the same ports in the same quarter of 2013.

Figures from China’s Ministry of Transportation showed that total container volumes handled at all Chinese ports grew by 5.5%, reaching 45.6m teu in the first three months of this year, with coastal ports growing by 6.6% through relatively strong exports; however, river ports declined by 3.8%, a contraction that reflected lower domestic demand in China.