COSCO SHIPPING Ports Achieves Solid First-Quarter Growth Amid Global Uncertainty

COSCO SHIPPING Ports has reported a period of steady growth in the first quarter of 2026, demonstrating resilience through an increase in both cargo throughput and financial performance, even in the face of prevailing global uncertainties.

The company’s total throughput reached 38.9 million TEU, marking an 8.9% year-on-year increase. Equity throughput also saw a significant rise of 7.5%, totaling 11.9 million TEU. Financially, revenue climbed by 10.3% to $420.9 million, while profit attributable to shareholders reached $85.6 million, a 2% increase.

This growth was primarily driven by non-controlling terminals, which experienced a substantial 10.6% surge in throughput. In contrast, controlled terminals reported more modest growth of 2.9%.

China continues to be the company’s core market, with terminals in the country handling 28.6 million TEU, a 5.4% increase and representing nearly three-quarters of overall volumes. Regionally, the Bohai Rim led growth with a 7.7% increase, while the Yangtze River Delta also expanded, bolstered by enhanced rail connectivity and integrated logistics. The Pearl River Delta saw a 5.9% rise, attributed to recovering demand from Europe and the United States, though volumes on the Southeast Coast experienced a decline due to route adjustments.

Overseas terminals delivered the most robust performance, with throughput surging by 19.8% to 10.3 million TEU, reflecting strong operational capacity across global markets. Within its international operations, the Chancay terminal in Peru more than doubled its volumes due to service expansion, while Piraeus in Greece saw a decline attributed to weaker Mediterranean demand and adverse weather conditions.

COSCO SHIPPING Ports attributes its sustained performance to effective cost control, operational efficiency improvements, and strategic network optimization.

Looking ahead, the company anticipates continued market volatility stemming from geopolitical tensions, ongoing supply chain cost pressures, and evolving trade policies. To navigate this landscape, COSCO SHIPPING Ports will prioritize three key areas: expanding its global terminal network, enhancing operational efficiency, and accelerating digital and green transformation initiatives.

COSCO SHIPPING Ports reports solid Q1 growth as throughput nears 39 million TEU