Shanghai February volume up 16.3pc to 2.57 million TEU

the Shanghai International Port (Group) Co (SIPG).

February's throughput was 18.1 per cent less than January's volume of 3.16 million TEU due to this year's positioning of the week-long Chinese New Year holiday.

China's big seven coastal ports posted increased volumes, according to Citi Research data. Domestic volumes fell 6.3 per cent to 1.43 million TEU.

The Pearl River Delta's greater exposure to foreign trade and new services added to Guangzhou saw its container numbers hitting levels not seen for some time, handling 2.57 million TEU that was up 27.4 per cent year on year with foreign trade rising 45 per cent.

Shenzhen's foreign trade surged 51.4 per cent year on year with the Yantian terminal up 44 per cent while terminals at Chiwan, Shekou and Dachan Bay experienced increases of 59 per cent.

Ningbo container volumes rose 18.9 per cent to 4.03 million TEU, up 7.5 per cent on January's growth rate, Citi noted. Foreign trade was up 19 per cent and domestic trade increased 17.3 per cent year on year.

Bohai Rim Ports posted 3.8 per cent growth to 1.49 million TEU. Lower exposure to foreign trade kept its numbers down compared to the other two regions,N although Tianjin saw its foreign trade in containerised exports growing 14.5 per cent.