China’s Shipbuilding Dominance Continues in 2025
China’s shipbuilding industry has once again solidified its position as a global leader, achieving remarkable growth across all major metrics for the 16th consecutive year. According to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), the sector completed construction of 53.69 million deadweight tons (DWT) in 2025, marking an 11.4% increase from the previous year. This impressive performance accounts for 56.1% of the global market, with new orders totaling 107.82 million DWT, representing 69% of the worldwide total.
Record Growth and Global Competitiveness
The data released by the MIIT reveals that China’s shipbuilding order backlog reached a staggering 274.42 million DWT by the end of December 2025, reflecting a 31.5% year-on-year increase and comprising 66.8% of the global total. Six Chinese shipbuilders ranked among the top ten worldwide in terms of ship completions, new orders, and order backlogs. Notably, China led the world in new orders for 16 out of 18 major vessel types, showcasing its dominance in the industry.
Industry experts attribute this success to China’s robust economic fundamentals and its status as the world’s largest trader in goods. The country boasts several of the world’s busiest ports, creating sustained demand for maritime transport. Bian Yongzu, executive deputy editor-in-chief of Modernization of Management magazine, emphasized that China’s comprehensive industrial system and increased investment in research and development have laid a solid foundation for high-end shipbuilding. This has enabled the industry to enhance its international competitiveness significantly.
Furthermore, China’s large pool of skilled labor provides a competitive edge in shipbuilding, which requires specialized technical professionals. The nation’s strong manufacturing base has cultivated a workforce capable of meeting the industry’s demands, helping to avoid the development bottlenecks faced by other major shipbuilding nations.
Shifting Global Maritime Power Dynamics
Experts believe that the record-high figures in China’s shipbuilding sector indicate a structural shift in global maritime power rather than just an increase in output. As the industry moves towards greener practices, orders are increasingly concentrated in China, highlighting its growing ability to allocate shipbuilding resources and influence industry standards. This transformation reflects a shift from cost-based competitiveness to strengths driven by systems and technology, marking China’s emergence as a leader in high-end manufacturing.
Li Yanqing, vice chairman of the China Association of the National Shipbuilding Industry, noted that the industry currently holds orders sufficient for three to four years of production, ensuring a steady workload. Looking ahead, the shipbuilding sector aims to continue its focus on high-quality development and deeper integration into the global division of labor, with an emphasis on green and intelligent advancements. As the industry evolves, it is poised to shape a new industrial landscape that prioritizes sustainability and innovation.
