Yantian Port in Shenzhen, Guangdong, stands as one of the world's largest single-container terminals, functioning as a true global shipping hub by dispatching over 40,000 standard containers daily to destinations worldwide.

In the first half of 2026, the port achieved a record-high container throughput for the period, with cross-border e-commerce emerging as a key driver of this accelerated growth.

The vessel CMA CGM Othello, loaded with nearly 5,000 standard containers, departed Yantian Port for Rotterdam, Netherlands, on the evening of July 17.

It operates on a newly established European express route launched in April 2026, which cuts transit time by nearly half a month compared to standard routes, perfectly meeting the stringent timeliness demands of cross-border e-commerce.

Notably, every sailing on this route has been fully loaded since its inauguration.

At 4 p.m., the operational control center, known as the "port brain" of Yantian Port, buzzes with activity.

Staff issue commands via operating platforms, centrally coordinating all activities across the port's 20 deep-water berths, from unloading massive ships to container placement in yards and the flow of trucks through gates.

Kang Hongjun, Duty Manager at Yantian International Container Terminals, noted that daily operations are nearing 60,000 standard containers, with gate processing exceeding 20,000 truck trips.

Since 2026, the port has added multiple remote-controlled devices to enhance operational efficiency.

To align with the timeliness needs of cross-border e-commerce clients, Yantian Port has collaborated with shipping lines to launch over ten maritime express routes.

Addressing the pain point where consolidated cargo, often involving numerous small, scattered shipments, risks entire container delays if one shipment is inspected, the port has implemented a "inspect first, ship later" model for consolidated maritime freight.

Lin Zhiluan, Deputy General Manager of Commercial Business at Yantian International, explained that companies can send loose cargo to designated customs supervision sites for inspection before consolidation and loading, compressing clearance time by over 50% and reducing comprehensive costs for businesses by more than 30%.

In the first half of 2026, Yantian Port's container throughput exceeded 8.3459 million TEUs, a 10% year-on-year increase, setting another historical record.

Cross-border e-commerce has become a crucial engine for the growth of the port's foreign trade container volume.

From Daily Necessities to Tech Products: Yantian Port Facilitates Global Reach of "Made in China"

As a national "super hub" for cross-border e-commerce, Shenzhen is home to over 120,000 cross-border e-commerce sellers, accounting for nearly half of the national total.

From daily necessities to technology products, Yantian Port aids the global distribution of "Made in China" goods with its efficient services.

Yan Aoyi's company, established just over two years ago, launched its first product—a dynamic ergonomic chair—in the second half of 2025 after research and development, selling it overseas via cross-border e-commerce channels.

Yan Aoyi, the company's head of overseas marketing, reported that online sales in overseas markets reached over 100 million yuan in the first quarter of 2026 and approximately 140 million yuan in the second quarter, representing a nearly 50% increase compared to the second half of 2025.

Achieving such sales performance overseas with a startup's first product has been highly encouraging for Yan and her colleagues.

She stated that choosing to develop in Shenzhen was primarily due to the city's complete industrial chain support and efficient port logistics, enabling the company to establish a full chain from R&D to global expansion in just over two years.

A representative from another Shenzhen-based portable fan company explained that a rare heatwave in Europe during May and June 2026 led to severe shortages of portable fans in the local market.

They utilized Yantian Port's rapid export channels to replenish stock, quickly getting their products back on European shelves.

Company负责人 Chen Liang noted that their growth in the European market for the first half of 2026 was three to five times higher than the same period in 2025, supported by the rapid response capabilities of the Pearl River Delta's motor, mold, and supply chain industries.

The product mix for cross-border e-commerce exports from Shenzhen is undergoing significant transformation.

A logistics company executive reported that their cross-border e-commerce cargo volume grew by about 30% year-on-year in the first half of 2026.

The customer base for smart devices, outdoor smart equipment, and consumer electronics products increased by approximately 15%.

Executive Zhang Peipei indicated that starting in 2026, products in AI technology, smart equipment, and consumer electronics have shown significant growth, reflecting ongoing product upgrades.

Huang Wei, Deputy Section Chief of the First Vessel Supervision Section at Dapeng Customs under Shenzhen Customs, reported that in the first half of the year, export values for high-value products through Yantian Port were substantial: automatic data processing equipment at 38.09 billion yuan (up 47.7% year-on-year), medical instruments and apparatus at 8.62 billion yuan (up 2.7%), and 3D printers at 6.39 billion yuan (up 115.7%).