China navigates US threats to anchor global shipbuilding dominance in 2025

South China Morning PostCenter-RightEN 2 min read 100% complete by Carol YangFebruary 2, 2026 at 10:00 AM

AI Summary

medium article 2 min

In 2025, China remained the global leader in shipbuilding, securing 69% of new orders despite a slight decrease from 2024. Chinese shipyards obtained 107.8 million deadweight tonnage in new orders, leading in 16 out of 18 major vessel types. While China's market share dipped, South Korea's increased to 21.6%, and Japan's declined to 6.2%. China has held the top position in vessel completions, new orders, and outstanding orders for 16 years. This dominance occurs amid US efforts to revive its own shipbuilding industry and ongoing trade tensions, including port-fee plans targeting China's maritime sector.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Beijing 30% South China Morning Post 40% CCTV 40% Japan 50% Li Yanqing 60% South Korea 60% United States ×270% China Association of the National Shipbuilding Industry (Cansi) ×370% China ×790%

Keywords

shipbuilding 100% china 90% new orders 80% market share 70% maritime sector 60% us threats 60% global dominance 50% vessel types 40% trade tensions 40%