Shanghai ranks second in global shipping centre index

Shanghai has ranked second among leading international shipping centres in the 2026 Xinhua-Baltic International Shipping Center Development Index (ISCDI), moving ahead of London and placing behind Singapore, according to the 2026 Xinhua-Baltic International Shipping Centre Development Index (ISCDI) Report.The result marks Shanghai’s highest position since the index began in 2014. For textile exporters, apparel manufacturers, importers and sourcing teams using China-linked trade lanes, the ranking points to the city’s growing weight as a shipping and maritime-services hub.

Shanghai has moved above London to rank second after Singapore in the 2026 Xinhua-Baltic International Shipping Center Development Index.
The ranking highlights the city’s maritime services base, not only cargo scale, for logistics-linked textile and apparel supply chains.
China now has seven shipping centres in the global top 20, underscoring its role in trade routing.

Jin Yu Cheong, head of Baltic Exchange Asia, said that it was supported by a mature and diverse maritime ecosystem that brought together shipping companies, financial institutions, insurers, legal services, shipbrokers, shipyards and technology providers, as reported by local media.

Shanghai Port’s container throughput exceeded 55.06 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in 2025, setting a new record, added the report. The report also said China now has seven shipping centres in the global top 20.

The ISCDI was jointly launched by China Economic Information Service and Baltic Exchange in 2014. Its latest ranking reinforces the importance of maritime services, digital port capability and green port investment in global logistics competitiveness.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk