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Top 10 Container Ports in 2024: Global Leaders in Volume and Future Trends

Briggs McCriddle

The global maritime industry experienced significant changes in 2024, with container ports playing a crucial role in maintaining trade flows. As international commerce rebounds and supply chain challenges persist, the busiest ports worldwide continue to see massive volumes of container traffic. Below is a detailed analysis of the top 10 container ports by volume and transit in 2024, along with insights into the ranking of U.S. ports and future trends influencing global shipping.

1. Port of Shanghai, China: The world’s busiest container port, handling approximately 49.16 million TEUs in 2024. Shanghai remains China's leading trade hub due to its extensive shipping network and proximity to key manufacturing centers.

2. Port of Singapore, Singapore: A vital transshipment hub with a throughput of 39.01 million TEUs. Singapore’s strategic location and investment in automation keep it among the world's most efficient ports.

3. Port of Ningbo-Zhoushan, China: Handling 35.30 million TEUs, this port benefits from deep-water access and its role as a primary gateway for trade in eastern China.

4. Port of Shenzhen, China: With 29.88 million TEUs processed in 2024, Shenzhen remains a cornerstone for global supply chains, linking manufacturers in southern China to international markets.

5. Port of Qingdao, China: A key port in northern China, handling 28.77 million TEUs, and growing due to its strong export-oriented economy and modern logistics infrastructure.

6. Port of Guangzhou, China: Processing 25.41 million TEUs, this port plays an essential role in trade within China’s Pearl River Delta region.

7. Port of Busan, South Korea: Handling 23.04 million TEUs, Busan is the largest port in South Korea and a major transshipment hub for cargo moving between Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

8. Port of Tianjin, China: With 22.19 million TEUs in 2024, Tianjin is Beijing’s maritime gateway, supporting China’s rapidly growing northern industrial base.

9. Port of Jebel Ali, UAE: The busiest port in the Middle East, handling 14.47 million TEUs. Its world-class logistics and free trade zone make it a key player in global trade.

10. Port of Hong Kong, China: Processing 14.40 million TEUs, Hong Kong remains an important maritime hub in the Asia-Pacific region despite facing increasing competition from mainland Chinese ports.


Although no U.S. ports rank in the global top ten, they remain crucial for North American trade. Here are the five busiest container ports in the United States in 2024:

1. Port of Los Angeles, California: The busiest port in the U.S., handling approximately 9.3 million TEUs. It remains the primary gateway for trans-Pacific trade.

2. Port of Long Beach, California: Processing 8.1 million TEUs, Long Beach works closely with Los Angeles to form the largest container port complex in the U.S.

3. Port of New York and New Jersey: The busiest port on the U.S. East Coast, handling 7.2 million TEUs. It serves as a critical entry point for goods to the U.S. Northeast.

4. Port of Savannah, Georgia: With 5.1 million TEUs in 2024, Savannah has seen strong growth due to its expanding container terminals and rail connections.

5. Port Houston, Texas: Handling 3.8 million TEUs, this Gulf Coast port benefits from trade with Latin America and a growing energy sector.


The dominance of Chinese and Asian ports in global rankings highlights the continued importance of Asia as the world’s manufacturing hub. Despite global economic fluctuations, these ports remain key trade centers due to their advanced infrastructure, high automation, and strategic investments in logistics.

In the United States, West Coast ports like Los Angeles and Long Beach continue to lead, though East Coast ports such as New York/New Jersey and Savannah are expanding capacity to capture more trade flows.

Looking forward, several key trends will shape the future of container ports:

- Automation and AI: The adoption of AI-driven port management, autonomous cranes, and robotic handling will improve efficiency and reduce congestion.

- Sustainability: Ports are investing in green energy solutions such as electric cargo-handling equipment and shore power to lower emissions.

- Supply Chain Diversification: Companies are increasingly looking to diversify manufacturing bases, which could lead to shifts in global shipping patterns.

The future of global shipping will be driven by technological advancements, geopolitical shifts, and economic realignments. Ports that invest in modernization, sustainability, and strategic trade partnerships will remain competitive in the evolving landscape of international logistics.

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