What are the Busiest Container Ports in Asia?

Asia is home to most of the busiest container ports in the world, serving as a critical hub for global trade. These ports play a vital role in handling vast volumes of cargo, driven by the region’s robust manufacturing base and large population centers. 

Of the world's 100 largest ports by container volumes, 35 are located in East Asia, 10 in SE Asia and 4 in South Asia. A further 7 are located in the Middle East.

According to the Lloyd's List 2023 One Hundred Ports Analysis, here are the busiest container ports across different regions of Asia.

Major Container Ports in East Asia

East Asia hosts the majority of the world’s largest container ports, with China dominating the list.

1. Shanghai, China 

Leading the global rankings, the Port of Shanghai handled an impressive 47,303,000 TEU in 2023, making it the busiest container port in the world. Shanghai’s position as a major hub is bolstered by its extensive connections to global trade networks and its role in China’s industrial heartland.

2. Ningbo-Zhoushan, China 

The Port of Ningbo-Zhoushan, with a throughput of 33,351,000 TEU, ranks second in East Asia. Its strategic location and state-of-the-art facilities make it a vital gateway for cargo entering and leaving eastern China.

3. Shenzhen, China 

With an annual volume of 30,036,200 TEU, the Port of Shenzhen is the third-busiest in East Asia. Located near Hong Kong, Shenzhen serves as a major hub for trade with the rest of Asia and the world, particularly for electronic goods and manufactured products.

4. Qingdao, China 

The Port of Qingdao handled 25,670,000 TEU in 2023, ranking fourth in East Asia. Its deep-water berths and modern facilities make it a critical port for China’s trade with Asia, Europe, and North America.

5. Guangzhou, China

The Port of Guangzhou processed 24,857,600 TEU, placing it fifth in East Asia. Serving the Pearl River Delta, one of China’s most economically dynamic regions, Guangzhou plays a key role in both domestic and international trade.

Largest Ports in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia's ports are vital transshipment hubs, linking trade between Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

1. Singapore 

The Port of Singapore remains the busiest in Southeast Asia, handling 37,289,600 TEU in 2023. As a major transshipment hub, it connects the Asia-Pacific region with Europe, the Americas, and beyond, benefiting from its strategic location and world-class infrastructure.

2. Port Kelang, Malaysia 

With a throughput of 13,220,000 TEU, Port Kelang is the second-busiest in Southeast Asia. Its growing capacity and strategic location along the Strait of Malacca make it an essential hub for trade between Asia and the rest of the world.

3. Tanjung Pelepas, Malaysia 

The Port of Tanjung Pelepas ranks third with 10,512,800 TEU. Known for its efficiency and modern facilities, it is a key transshipment point for goods moving between Asia and Europe.

4. Laem Chabang, Thailand

Handling 8,741,049 TEU, Laem Chabang is Thailand’s largest port and the fourth-busiest in Southeast Asia. It serves as a gateway for Thai exports, particularly in the automotive and electronics sectors.

5. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam 

With a throughput of 7,905,262 TEU, the port in Ho Chi Minh City is the fifth-busiest in Southeast Asia. It is crucial for Vietnam’s rapidly growing trade, especially in textiles, footwear, and electronics.

Largest Container Ports on the Indian Subcontinent

Ports on the Indian Subcontinent are experiencing rapid growth, driven by rising domestic demand and increasing integration into global supply chains.

1. Colombo, Sri Lanka 

The Port of Colombo is the busiest on the Indian Subcontinent, handling 6,860,000 TEU in 2023. Colombo serves as a major transshipment hub for cargo moving between Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

2. Mundra, India

Mundra Port follows closely with a throughput of 6,503,447 TEU, making it India's largest container port. It has rapidly expanded due to its strategic location and efficient operations, catering to the growing trade demands of India’s western region.

3. Jawaharlal Nehru/Nhava Sheva, India

The Port of Jawaharlal Nehru, also known as Nhava Sheva, handled 5,959,112 TEU in 2023. It is the primary gateway for containerized trade in India, particularly serving the industrial heartland around Mumbai.

4. Chittagong, Bangladesh

The Port of Chittagong processed 3,142,504 TEU, making it the fourth-busiest on the Indian Subcontinent. As Bangladesh's primary port, Chittagong is critical for the country’s export-driven economy, particularly in the textile and garment sectors.

Fastest Growing Ports in Asia

Several ports across Asia are experiencing rapid growth due to strategic investments, rising trade volumes, and increasing integration into global supply chains. In Southeast Asia, ports like Ho Chi Minh City and Laem Chabang are expanding their capacities to handle the growing volume of trade, driven by the region's booming manufacturing sectors. Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City, in particular, is growing rapidly as the country becomes a significant hub for textiles, electronics, and other exports.

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