China’s share of global container exports reaches record 40%

China’s share of global container exports reached a record 40% on a rolling three-month average. The figure has risen by 2.5 percentage points in just nine months, highlighting the country’s growing role in global trade.

The trade imbalance between China and Europe has widened particularly sharply. In 2019, for every container shipped from Europe to China, 2.5 containers moved in the opposite direction. In the first eight months of 2026, the ratio had increased to 1 to 6 in China’s favour.

China’s trade surplus reached $805.5 billion in January–August and is on track to exceed last year’s record of $1.2 trillion. Its trade surplus with the EU amounted to around €1 billion per day last year.

The European Union Chamber of Commerce in China links the widening imbalance to manufacturing capacity expanding much faster than domestic demand. Industrial output rose 5.3% in the first eight months, while retail sales increased by only 0.4% year on year in August.

The surge in Chinese exports is fuelling debate in the EU over additional trade restrictions. China, meanwhile, rejects claims of overcapacity and says its strong export performance reflects the competitive advantages of its manufacturing sector.

Tags: China, container shipping, global exporter