Part II Resilience: China-US trade fluctuations have limited impact on coastal ports; ports expand their 'circle of trade partners'

In 2025, the US adjusted its trade policies multiple times - did this put pressure on port operations? Some ports said that US tariff hikes caused temporary disruptions on certain routes and cargo types, while others considered the overall impact manageable, with limited effect on the fundamentals of annual operations.

Regarding China-US shipping routes, Global Times reporters found that this year, some ports did experience short-term capacity adjustments on these routes, but that didn't trigger chain reactions across ports, and the impact varied.

Ports not directly affected by China-US route changes also made operational adjustments in response to broader shipping market shifts, reflecting a refined approach to managing external fluctuations. Some ports reported that capacity adjustments in foreign trade temporarily tightened domestic route availability. In response, ports strengthened coordination with shipping companies to guide capacity toward the domestic market. At the same time, for foreign trade vessels, ports supported operations by optimizing berth schedules and ensuring cargo storage, keeping overall operations stable.

Ports directly affected by China-US route changes responded more intensively in terms of route structure and business organization, with more significant adjustments. For example, a port in southeastern China saw its North America routes fall 27 percent year-on-year, with their share dropping by 6 percentage points. In contrast, business to other destinations grew notably - South America routes up 30 percent, Europe surging 41 percent, and Southeast Asia up 5 percent year-on-year. In 2025, the port launched 36 new routes, with some achieving improved operational efficiency; for instance, durian imports from Vietnam cleared customs within 48 hours, setting a record for the port.

Affected by fluctuations in US trade policy, the port's China-US routes experienced a large number of empty sailings in May. Although overall route throughput from January to October slightly declined, monthly data show that throughput remained relatively stable. This demonstrates the port's ability to maintain operational continuity and overall balance amid external volatility.

Amid the overall stability of China's coastal port operations, Yiwu provides a more specific point of observation. The Yiwu (Suxi) International Hub Port, which began operations in June, closely connects Ningbo-Zhoushan with the "world's small commodities capital." By the end of October, the "Yiwu (Suxi) International Hub Port-Ningbo-Zhoushan Port" sea-rail intermodal service had handled over 60,000 TEUs, achieving its annual target ahead of schedule.

According to Yiwu Customs, in the first 10 months of 2025, the city's import and export volume exceeded 700 billion yuan for the first time in history. From January to October, total trade reached 701.19 billion yuan, up 25.2 percent year-on-year, with exports up 24.4 percent and imports up 31.1 percent - both achieving double-digit growth.

Although some ports experienced temporary adjustments on China-US routes, such changes accounted for a limited share of overall coastal port business. Chinese ports continued to advance operations on other routes, bulk cargo throughput, and specialized capabilities. For example, Rizhao Port completed and put into operation its grain base this year, along with the expanded Lannan bulk grain storage and transport system, giving the port an annual turnover capacity exceeding 20 million tons and effectively enhancing its comprehensive capabilities in bulk grain logistics and industrial services.
Looking ahead to 2026, interviewed coastal ports show divergent expectations for China-US routes: some anticipate further contraction, while others foresee basic stability. However, most expect continued growth in emerging-market routes and other directions, highlighting a focus on diversified layouts and integrated transport capabilities amid shifting global trade patterns.

Zheng Ping believes US tariff policies disrupt China-US routes but represent short-term, structural impacts that cannot erase underlying demand. The long-term market preference for affordable, high-quality Chinese goods and reliance on China's stable supply chains cannot be fully replaced by other countries or markets.