Shenzhen and Hong Kong Should Work Together to Boost External Trade

Shenzhen's port business has thrived, especially the eastern Yantian Port, which serves as a vital gateway between the manufacturing hub and global markets. In 2025, Yantian Port handled more than 16.1 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units), a 7.1% year-on-year increase. The terminal operates nearly 100 international routes weekly and added 14 new routes to and from APEC economies this year. Shenzhen continues to lead in imports and exports to APEC, hitting 3.23 trillion yuan in the first nine months of 2026, up 40%. Shenzhen plans to strengthen cooperation with Hong Kong's Kwai Tsing Container Terminals.

Shenzhen's Yantian Port, a crucial link in China's global trade network, has experienced significant growth in recent years, handling a substantial portion of the country's container exports to the United States and more than a third of Guangdong's foreign trade. Managing director of Yantian, a subsidiary of Hutchison Ports, Lawrence Shum, highlighted the port's robust international network, with nearly 100 active weekly routes, including 53 linked to APEC economies. Since the start of the year, 14 additional APEC-related routes have been added. Shenzhen's leading role in APEC trade continues to grow, with Shum noting a 40% increase in trade value in the first nine months of 2025. Yantian's unique advantage lies in its direct railway connection to the port, facilitating sea-rail intermodal transport to inland regions. According to Shum, enhancing collaboration with Hong Kong's Kwai Tsing Container Terminals through regular vessel trips could significantly boost inland cargo trade and achieve mutual benefits for the three regions.

The deep-water port saw a 7.1% year-on-year increase in TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) in 2025, reaching 16.1 million. Shum emphasized the port's key role in regional trade, stressing the importance of stable and efficient transportation services for inland enterprises. With Shenzhen's recent focus on strengthening cooperative efforts with the Hong Kong port, there is potential for significant development in external trade, benefiting both regions and promoting economic stability.

Underpinning the success of Yantian Port is its strategic positioning as a vital hub for international trade. As China seeks to deepen its economic ties with APEC economies, the robust infrastructure and efficient logistics at Yantian provide a pivotal platform for bilateral trade. By expanding its network and improving connections with Hong Kong, Yantian aims to capitalize on this trend and drive further growth in regional and international commerce.