Shanghai Rises To Second In Global Shipping Centre Index
Shanghai has moved up to second place among the world’s leading international shipping centres in the 2026 Xinhua-Baltic International Shipping Centre Development Index (ISCDI), overtaking London and ranking behind Singapore.
The ranking marks Shanghai’s highest position since the index was launched in 2014. For textile exporters, apparel manufacturers, importers and sourcing companies using China-linked trade routes, the development highlights the city’s growing importance as a global shipping and maritime-services hub.
Jin Yu Cheong, head of Baltic Exchange Asia, attributed Shanghai’s strong performance to its mature and diverse maritime ecosystem, which brings together shipping companies, financial institutions, insurers, legal service providers, shipbrokers, shipyards and technology companies, according to local media reports.
He also highlighted the role of investment in digital innovation, green port development and maritime services in strengthening Shanghai’s global competitiveness.
Shanghai Port handled more than 55.06 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in 2025, setting a new annual record, according to the report.
China now has seven shipping centres among the global top 20, underscoring the country’s growing influence in international maritime trade and logistics.
The ISCDI was jointly launched in 2014 by China Economic Information Service and the Baltic Exchange. The latest ranking highlights the growing importance of maritime services, digital port infrastructure and green investment in determining global logistics competitiveness.
