Container Port Traffic Volume 2016
Container Port Traffic Volume measures the total container throughput in TEUs at major ports in a given country.
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Complete Data Rankings
Rank | Actions | ||
|---|---|---|---|
1 | China | 202,830,580 TEUs | |
2 | United States | 46,940,227 TEUs | |
3 | Singapore | 30,903,600 TEUs | |
4 | South Korea | 25,945,418 TEUs | |
5 | Malaysia | 24,569,452 TEUs | |
6 | Japan | 21,678,076 TEUs | |
7 | United Arab Emirates | 20,652,200 TEUs | |
8 | China, Hong Kong SAR | 19,580,000 TEUs | |
9 | Germany | 15,126,366 TEUs | |
10 | Spain | 15,073,218 TEUs | |
11 | India | 13,724,110 TEUs | |
12 | Netherlands | 12,612,142 TEUs | |
13 | Vietnam | 11,282,230 TEUs | |
14 | Indonesia | 10,608,853 TEUs | |
15 | Italy | 10,589,293 TEUs | |
16 | Belgium | 10,321,506 TEUs | |
17 | United Kingdom | 10,200,229 TEUs | |
18 | Thailand | 9,340,560 TEUs | |
19 | Brazil | 8,804,079 TEUs | |
20 | Turkey | 8,760,769 TEUs | |
21 | Australia | 7,830,344 TEUs | |
22 | Saudi Arabia | 7,683,202 TEUs | |
23 | Philippines | 7,560,607 TEUs | |
24 | Panama | 6,261,878 TEUs | |
25 | Egypt | 5,887,541 TEUs | |
26 | Sri Lanka | 5,734,000 TEUs | |
27 | Canada | 5,727,822 TEUs | |
28 | Mexico | 5,678,854 TEUs | |
29 | France | 4,471,870 TEUs | |
30 | South Africa | 4,354,666 TEUs | |
31 | Chile | 4,170,283 TEUs | |
32 | Morocco | 4,106,683 TEUs | |
33 | Greece | 4,088,425 TEUs | |
34 | Oman | 3,943,846 TEUs | |
35 | Russia | 3,472,382 TEUs | |
36 | Colombia | 3,452,348 TEUs | |
37 | Malta | 3,151,939 TEUs | |
38 | Pakistan | 3,074,000 TEUs | |
39 | New Zealand | 3,000,696 TEUs | |
40 | Portugal | 2,912,946 TEUs | |
41 | Israel | 2,711,000 TEUs | |
42 | Iran | 2,462,028 TEUs | |
43 | Bangladesh | 2,387,953 TEUs | |
44 | Peru | 2,321,062 TEUs | |
45 | Poland | 2,032,761 TEUs | |
46 | Ecuador | 1,907,090 TEUs | |
47 | Algeria | 1,831,056 TEUs | |
48 | Argentina | 1,713,267 TEUs | |
49 | Jamaica | 1,567,442 TEUs | |
50 | Sweden | 1,509,886 TEUs | |
51 | Finland | 1,509,479 TEUs | |
52 | Dominican Republic | 1,486,227 TEUs | |
53 | Guatemala | 1,470,101 TEUs | |
54 | Costa Rica | 1,338,979 TEUs | |
55 | Nigeria | 1,272,000 TEUs | |
56 | Bahamas | 1,261,778 TEUs | |
57 | Puerto Rico | 1,210,500 TEUs | |
58 | Lebanon | 1,147,219 TEUs | |
59 | Kenya | 1,091,000 TEUs | |
60 | Myanmar | 1,026,216 TEUs | |
61 | Djibouti | 987,400 TEUs | |
62 | Kuwait | 944,432 TEUs | |
63 | Ghana | 942,463 TEUs | |
64 | Ireland | 916,833 TEUs | |
65 | Uruguay | 888,119 TEUs | |
66 | Côte d'Ivoire | 885,750 TEUs | |
67 | Slovenia | 844,000 TEUs | |
68 | Togo | 821,639 TEUs | |
69 | Jordan | 792,841 TEUs | |
70 | Honduras | 756,641 TEUs | |
71 | Norway | 716,916 TEUs | |
72 | Denmark | 715,076 TEUs | |
73 | Romania | 711,339 TEUs | |
74 | Ukraine | 680,623 TEUs | |
75 | Tanzania | 630,290 TEUs | |
76 | Angola | 572,298 TEUs | |
77 | Congo | 562,889 TEUs | |
78 | Senegal | 540,000 TEUs | |
79 | Qatar | 527,952 TEUs | |
80 | Tunisia | 489,670 TEUs | |
81 | Sudan | 465,355 TEUs | |
82 | Lithuania | 443,000 TEUs | |
83 | Trinidad and Tobago | 427,427 TEUs | |
84 | Bahrain | 424,602 TEUs | |
85 | Venezuela | 400,962 TEUs | |
86 | Cambodia | 400,187 TEUs | |
87 | Mauritius | 388,514 TEUs | |
88 | Latvia | 388,260 TEUs | |
89 | Cameroon | 370,000 TEUs | |
90 | Cyprus | 360,841 TEUs | |
91 | Cuba | 325,319 TEUs | |
92 | Benin | 310,500 TEUs | |
93 | Iceland | 308,660 TEUs | |
94 | Austria | 285,900 TEUs | |
95 | Yemen | 268,208 TEUs | |
96 | Syrian Arab Republic | 253,415 TEUs | |
97 | Georgia | 251,011 TEUs | |
98 | Croatia | 246,596 TEUs | |
99 | Fiji | 244,524.4 TEUs | |
100 | Iraq | 220,859.7 TEUs | |
101 | Bulgaria | 206,111 TEUs | |
102 | Estonia | 204,177 TEUs | |
103 | Namibia | 203,071 TEUs | |
104 | El Salvador | 202,165 TEUs | |
105 | Guam | 198,209 TEUs | |
106 | Solomon Islands | 181,636.1 TEUs | |
107 | Haiti | 176,879 TEUs | |
108 | Guinea | 176,167 TEUs | |
109 | Nicaragua | 156,900 TEUs | |
110 | Gabon | 146,000 TEUs | |
111 | Madagascar | 138,850 TEUs | |
112 | Seychelles | 132,214.6 TEUs | |
113 | Libya | 124,050 TEUs | |
114 | Albania | 118,829 TEUs | |
115 | Vanuatu | 115,886.9 TEUs | |
116 | Switzerland | 114,498 TEUs | |
117 | Liberia | 112,500 TEUs | |
118 | New Caledonia | 108,500 TEUs | |
119 | Barbados | 105,321 TEUs | |
120 | Somalia | 104,800.4 TEUs | |
121 | Suriname | 98,652 TEUs | |
122 | Brunei Darussalam | 98,606 TEUs | |
123 | Curaçao | 98,278 TEUs | |
124 | Sint Maarten (Dutch part) | 97,991 TEUs | |
125 | Sierra Leone | 89,063 TEUs | |
126 | Tonga | 84,702.43 TEUs | |
127 | Maldives | 81,744 TEUs | |
128 | Comoros | 73,309.69 TEUs | |
129 | Mauritania | 72,523 TEUs | |
130 | Sao Tome and Principe | 67,523.29 TEUs | |
131 | American Samoa | 65,970 TEUs | |
132 | Cabo Verde | 62,112 TEUs | |
133 | Cayman Islands | 60,718 TEUs | |
134 | Gambia | 60,000 TEUs | |
135 | Congo, Democratic Republic of the | 59,133 TEUs | |
136 | British Virgin Islands | 52,542.78 TEUs | |
137 | Marshall Islands | 51,613.32 TEUs | |
138 | Guyana | 50,476 TEUs | |
139 | Timor-Leste | 49,177 TEUs | |
140 | Kiribati | 49,005.46 TEUs | |
141 | Belize | 46,040 TEUs | |
142 | Northern Mariana Islands | 44,989.51 TEUs | |
143 | Paraguay | 38,430 TEUs | |
144 | Saint Lucia | 38,383 TEUs | |
145 | Samoa | 34,588 TEUs | |
146 | Faroe Islands | 33,520.26 TEUs | |
147 | Aruba | 31,323 TEUs | |
148 | Montenegro | 30,211 TEUs | |
149 | Guinea-Bissau | 26,382.34 TEUs | |
150 | Palau | 22,490.03 TEUs | |
151 | Grenada | 19,634 TEUs | |
152 | Gibraltar | 18,621.03 TEUs | |
153 | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | 18,236 TEUs | |
154 | Antigua and Barbuda | 16,193 TEUs | |
155 | Tuvalu | 15,844.34 TEUs | |
156 | Equatorial Guinea | 14,281 TEUs | |
157 | Saint Kitts and Nevis | 13,216 TEUs | |
158 | Eritrea | 12,551.97 TEUs | |
159 | Micronesia (Fed. States of) | 9,814.813 TEUs | |
160 | Greenland | 8,631.709 TEUs | |
161 | Dominica | 7,361 TEUs | |
162 | Nauru | 7,032.956 TEUs | |
163 | Bermuda | 4,437.324 TEUs | |
164 | Republic of Moldova | 735.014 TEUs |
- #1
China
- #2
United States
- #3
Singapore
- #4
South Korea
- #5
Malaysia
- #6
Japan
- #7
United Arab Emirates
- #8
China, Hong Kong SAR
- #9
Germany
- #10
Spain
Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.
- #164
Republic of Moldova
- #163
Bermuda
- #162
Nauru
- #161
Dominica
- #160
Greenland
- #159
Micronesia (Fed. States of)
- #158
Eritrea
- #157
Saint Kitts and Nevis
- #156
Equatorial Guinea
- #155
Tuvalu
Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.
Analysis & Context
In 2016, China led the world in Container Port Traffic Volume with an astounding 202,830,580 TEUs, showcasing the nation’s pivotal role in global trade. The global range for this metric spanned from 735.01 TEUs to this peak value, highlighting significant disparities across countries. The average volume was 4,183,161.27 TEUs, while the median stood at 443,000 TEUs, indicating a skewed distribution where a few countries dominate the container shipping landscape.
Economic Powerhouses and Their Port Capacities
The sheer volume of Container Port Traffic in leading countries like China, the United States with 46,940,227 TEUs, and Singapore with 30,903,600 TEUs underscores their roles as global economic powerhouses. These nations leverage their robust industrial bases and strategic geographic locations to facilitate international trade. For instance, China’s extensive manufacturing sector and its Belt and Road Initiative have bolstered its port traffic, making it a central hub in global supply chains. Meanwhile, the United States benefits from its vast consumer market and diverse economic activities, driving substantial container throughput.
Geographic and Strategic Significance
Countries like Singapore and South Korea, with respective volumes of 30,903,600 TEUs and 25,945,418 TEUs, exemplify the importance of strategic geographic positioning. Singapore serves as a critical transshipment hub, positioned at the crossroads of major shipping routes connecting the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Similarly, South Korea benefits from its proximity to major Asian markets and its advanced port infrastructure. These nations have capitalized on their locations to develop efficient port operations that facilitate high volumes of container traffic.
Challenges in Smaller Economies
On the opposite end of the spectrum, countries such as the Republic of Moldova and Bermuda, with 735.01 TEUs and 4,437.324 TEUs respectively, face challenges due to limited port capacities and smaller economic scales. These nations often lack the infrastructure and market size to support significant port traffic, which in turn limits their participation in global trade. Their geographic isolation or landlocked status further complicates efforts to increase container throughput.
Year-over-Year Changes and Trends
Analyzing year-over-year changes, China saw the largest absolute increase in port traffic, adding 7,321,415 TEUs (a growth of 3.7%), driven by continued expansion in manufacturing and exports. India experienced a notable increase of 1,405,500 TEUs (an 11.4% rise), reflecting its growing economy and improving port infrastructure. Meanwhile, Oman recorded a significant 27.0% rise, adding 838,469 TEUs, likely due to strategic investments in port facilities to enhance its role in regional logistics.
Conversely, some countries saw declines in their container port traffic. Panama experienced a decrease of 632,008 TEUs (-9.2%), potentially due to shifts in shipping routes or competition from neighboring ports. Egypt also saw a reduction of 602,522 TEUs (-9.3%), possibly influenced by regional instability affecting trade flows. The United Arab Emirates faced a 2.8% drop, losing 586,093 TEUs, which may reflect adjustments in its logistics strategies.
The data from 2016 highlights the complex interplay of economic, geographic, and strategic factors driving container port traffic volumes worldwide. While leading nations continue to expand their port capacities to accommodate growing trade demands, smaller and less strategically positioned countries face ongoing challenges in enhancing their participation in global shipping networks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Container Port Traffic Volume in 2016
Which country had the highest container port traffic volume in 2016?
China had the highest container port traffic volume in 2016 with 202,830,580 TEUs.
What was the average container port traffic volume per country in 2016?
The average container port traffic volume per country in 2016 was 4,183,161 TEUs.
Which country had the lowest container port traffic volume in 2016?
The Republic of Moldova had the lowest container port traffic volume in 2016 with 735 TEUs.
What was the median container port traffic volume per country in 2016?
The median container port traffic volume per country in 2016 was 435,214 TEUs.
How many countries were included in the container port traffic volume dataset for 2016?
The dataset for container port traffic volume in 2016 included 164 countries.
What was the container port traffic volume for the United States in 2016?
The United States had a container port traffic volume of 46,940,227 TEUs in 2016.
Insights by country
Djibouti
In 2016, Djibouti ranked #61 globally with a Container Port Traffic Volume of 987400 TEUs. This volume reflects Djibouti's strategic position as a key maritime hub in the Horn of Africa, especially when compared to its neighbor Somalia, which has significantly lower port traffic. The country's investment in port infrastructure and its proximity to major shipping routes have driven this growth, facilitating trade for both landlocked countries and regional markets.
Eritrea
Eritrea ranked #158 globally in Container Port Traffic Volume in 2016, with a total of 12551.97 TEUs. This volume is significantly lower than regional neighbors, reflecting the challenges faced by its port infrastructure compared to countries with more developed shipping facilities.
The limited traffic can be attributed to Eritrea's relatively small economy and ongoing political isolation, which hampers trade opportunities and foreign investment. Additionally, the country's geographic positioning along the Red Sea offers potential but is underutilized due to these economic and policy factors.
Malta
In 2016, Malta achieved a global rank of #37 with a Container Port Traffic Volume of 3,151,939 TEUs. This volume is notable when compared to other Mediterranean nations, reflecting Malta's strategic location as a shipping hub. The country's robust maritime infrastructure and favorable shipping policies have positioned it as a key player in regional trade, bolstered by its membership in the European Union.
Vanuatu
In 2016, Vanuatu ranked #115 globally with a Container Port Traffic Volume of 115886.9 TEUs. This figure is relatively low compared to regional neighbors like Fiji, which has a more developed port infrastructure. The modest traffic volume can be attributed to Vanuatu's small population and its reliance on tourism and agriculture, limiting the demand for containerized shipping.
Norway
In 2016, Norway achieved a global rank of #71 with a Container Port Traffic Volume of 716916 TEUs. This volume is relatively modest compared to larger maritime nations, highlighting Norway's smaller scale in global shipping logistics. The country's extensive coastline and rich maritime heritage support its port activities, yet its economy is more reliant on oil and gas exports than container shipping. Additionally, Norway's focus on sustainability and environmental policies may influence its shipping practices and port traffic volume.
Portugal
In 2016, Portugal ranked #40 globally for Container Port Traffic Volume, handling 2,912,946 TEUs. This volume is significant compared to its neighbor Spain, which ranks higher due to its larger port infrastructure and traffic. Portugal's strategic location along the Atlantic coast facilitates trade routes to Africa and the Americas, enhancing its port activity despite a smaller overall economy.
Austria
In 2016, Austria ranked #94 globally with a Container Port Traffic Volume of 285900 TEUs. This figure is relatively low compared to major European ports, reflecting Austria's landlocked status and reliance on neighboring countries for maritime trade. The country's strong industrial base and strategic location in Central Europe facilitate overland transport, but limited direct access to the sea constrains its container traffic capabilities.
China, Hong Kong SAR
In 2016, China, Hong Kong SAR ranked #8 globally with a Container Port Traffic Volume of 19,580,000 TEUs. This volume places it among the top ports worldwide, significantly higher than the global average. The region's strategic geographic location as a gateway to mainland China and its robust logistics infrastructure are key drivers of this impressive traffic volume.
Cambodia
In 2016, Cambodia ranked #86 globally with a Container Port Traffic Volume of 400187 TEUs. This volume is relatively modest compared to larger Southeast Asian economies, highlighting Cambodia's developing logistics sector. Key drivers for this traffic include its strategic location along the Mekong River and significant investments in infrastructure aimed at boosting trade and economic growth.
Malaysia
In 2016, Malaysia achieved a global rank of #5 in Container Port Traffic Volume, handling 24,569,452 TEUs. This volume positions Malaysia as a leading maritime hub in Southeast Asia, significantly ahead of many regional neighbors. The country's strategic location along major shipping routes and its well-developed port infrastructure, particularly in Port Klang, drive this impressive traffic volume, supporting its robust trade activities.
Data Source
Container port traffic (TEU: 20 foot equivalent units) | Data
The World Bank provides data on container port traffic measured in twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), which reflects the volume of goods transported through ports worldwide. This dataset offers country-level statistics that help analyze trade and shipping trends across different nations.
Visit Data SourceHistorical Data by Year
Explore Container Port Traffic Volume data across different years. Compare trends and see how statistics have changed over time.