Chinese Ports Lead the World in Productivity Performance

Container port performance across the world declined between 2020 and 2024 due to the Red Sea Crisis, challenges at the Panama Canal, and pandemic-related shocks, according to a new 79-page report released by the World Bank Group and S&P Global. However, efficiency gains varied by region and income level.

The report, Container Port Performance Index (CPPI), shows that East Asian ports demonstrated improved performance and led the rankings in 2024. South Asian ports also saw remarkable recovery over the past year, while ports in North America and Europe showcased resilience by maintaining scores close to 2023.

The annual report, which is in its fifth edition, sheds light on emerging trends in port efficiency between 2020 and 2024.

The world’s largest ports in high-income countries were not the only ones to see improvements. Several developing country ports saw noteworthy improvements to their scores and rankings, between 2020-2024, including Dakar, Jawarharlal Nehru, Mersin, Port Said, and Posorja in Ecuador.

“Even amid the multiple shocks, developing country ports are finding ways to adapt, improve, and maximize value,” said Nicolas Peltier-Thiberge, global director for transport at the World Bank. “It’s a reminder that with better planning, technology, and cooperation across the logistics chain, ports can make significant strides in their efficiency.”

This edition of the CPPI offers a global benchmark of 403 container ports worldwide, utilising a dataset that includes more than 175,000 vessel calls and 247m container moves with a focus on total vessel time in port

“As we navigate an increasingly complex global shipping environment, understanding and improving port performance is essential for economic growth and competitiveness,” said Turloch Mooney, global head of port intelligence and analytics at S&P Global Market Intelligence.

Of the top 20 performing ports in 2024, 10 are in China.