Supply Chain Research

Container handling at China’s mainland ports climbed by 12% in October. That was the 20th straight month of growth, and was similar to a month earlier despite the slowdown in trade growth seen across the country. Tianjin grew the fastest at 14%, while the mainland beat Hong Kong’s 1% decline. Strong activity growth doesn’t mean the outlook is bright, however. The government has called on ports to restructure their “monopolistic” behavior, with a potential $532 million drop in rates. That may not boost volumes, but it could help the profitability of the container-lines.