In 2024, nine of the world’s ten busiest ports are in Asia, highlighting a major shift in global trade. Once, most Asian exports went beyond the region, but now about 60% stay within Asia. This change is driven by deeper regional integration and supply chain shifts. China, with seven of the top ten ports, plays a central role, thanks to its extensive port network supporting the Belt and Road Initiative. Singapore's port, the second busiest, connects to 120 countries, while Rotterdam leads in Europe with advanced autonomous shipping projects. This dynamic shift shows Asia's rising dominance in global trade and infrastructure.

Nine of the ten busiest ports in the world as of 2024 are in Asia, highlighting the movement of global commerce flows eastward.

Trade inside Asia has risen dramatically intraregional as a result of changes in the supply chain and increased integration.

Over 70% of Asian exports by value left the region in the 1990s, with most of the containers being r...