Largest Ports by Cargo Volume in the World 2026

Global trade depends heavily on seaports, which act as the main gateways for raw materials, manufactured goods, energy resources, and food supplies. The largest ports by cargo volume handle enormous amounts of freight every year, connecting producers and consumers across continents. These ports are critical not only for international commerce but also for national economies, employment, and industrial development. By ranking the world’s largest ports by cargo volume, we can better understand how global trade flows are structured and which regions dominate maritime logistics. This article presents a clear, data-driven overview of the biggest cargo ports in the world and why they matter.

Ports are usually ranked by total cargo volume, measured in million tonnes per year. This includes bulk cargo such as coal, iron ore, crude oil, and grain, as well as containerized and general cargo. Geography plays a major role, as ports located near large manufacturing hubs or natural resource regions tend to handle higher volumes. Over time, improvements in port infrastructure, automation, and hinterland connectivity have allowed some ports to grow rapidly. In recent years, Asian ports in particular have expanded their capacity, reflecting the region’s central role in global manufacturing and trade networks.

Top 10 Largest Ports by Cargo Volume in the World

1. Ningbo-Zhoushan: 1220 million tonnes
2. Shanghai: 736 million tonnes
3. Qingdao: 630 million tonnes
4. Guangzhou: 629 million tonnes
5. Singapore: 626 million tonnes
6. Port Hedland: 568 million tonnes
7. Tianjin: 540 million tonnes
8. Busan: 470 million tonnes
9. Dalian: 470 million tonnes
10. Rotterdam: 467 million tonnes

The top 10 largest ports by cargo volume show a clear concentration of maritime power in Asia, particularly in China. Ningbo-Zhoushan stands far ahead of all others, handling more than one billion tonnes of cargo, which highlights its importance for both domestic and international trade. Shanghai, Qingdao, Guangzhou, and Tianjin further demonstrate China’s dominance in port infrastructure. Singapore remains a major global hub due to its strategic location and efficiency, while Port Hedland stands out as a bulk-focused port driven mainly by iron ore exports. Rotterdam is the only European port in the top 10, reflecting its role as Europe’s primary maritime gateway.

Full Data Table

Key Points

• The top five ports by cargo volume are all located in Asia, showing the region’s central role in global trade.
• Ningbo-Zhoushan alone handles nearly twice the cargo volume of the second-ranked port, highlighting a significant gap at the top.
• Chinese ports dominate the rankings due to strong manufacturing output and large-scale infrastructure investment.
• Singapore remains highly competitive despite limited land space, relying on efficiency and strategic positioning.
• Port Hedland’s high ranking is driven by bulk commodity exports rather than container traffic.
• Rotterdam is the leading European port and serves as a key entry point for goods into the European Union.
• Ports outside Asia generally handle lower cargo volumes but often specialize in specific trade flows or regions.

The ranking of the largest ports by cargo volume provides valuable insight into how global trade is organized today. Asian ports, especially in China, continue to expand their influence as manufacturing and resource flows remain strong. At the same time, established hubs like Singapore and Rotterdam show that efficiency, connectivity, and location can sustain long-term competitiveness. Looking ahead, cargo volumes are likely to be shaped by shifts in energy markets, supply chain diversification, and investments in port automation and sustainability. Understanding these rankings helps businesses, policymakers, and observers track the evolving landscape of global maritime trade.

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Sources

• List of busiest ports by cargo tonnage – Wikipedia
• Cargo throughput of China’s Ningbo-Zhoushan port ranks top globally in 2024 – GOV.CN
• Top 50 Container Ports – World Shipping Council