China’s marine economy posts steady growth in H1
In a recent report released by the Ministry of Natural Resources, China’s marine economy has shown significant growth in the first half of 2026, reaching a gross ocean product of 5.5 trillion yuan (about 810.09 billion U.S. dollars), marking a 5.1 percent increase compared to the previous year. This growth highlights the resilience and positive trajectory of the country’s marine industry, contributing 7.9 percent to the overall gross domestic product.
Steady Growth and Stable Marine Resources Supply
According to Meng Qinglei, an official from the ministry, the steady growth of China’s marine economy can be attributed to the stable supply of marine resources nationwide. This stability has laid a strong foundation for the continued development and expansion of the marine industry, indicating promising prospects for the future.
Strong Performance in Shipbuilding Industry
During the period of January to June 2026, China’s shipbuilding industry has demonstrated robust growth, with significant increases in new shipbuilding orders, completed deliveries, and order backlog by 105.2 percent, 34.8 percent, and 37.1 percent year on year, respectively. The industry’s global market shares for these key indicators have also reached impressive levels, maintaining a leading position on the global stage at 73.9 percent, 55.4 percent, and 63.3 percent, respectively.
Furthermore, the sector has focused on optimizing product structure, resulting in enhancements in both quantity and quality of deliveries. Notably, in the first half of the year, the industry successfully delivered over 40 large vessels, including container ships exceeding 10,000 TEUs, ultra-large crude oil carriers, and large liquefied natural gas carriers, showcasing the industry’s capacity for innovation and excellence.
The overall growth and performance of China’s marine economy and shipbuilding industry in 2026 reflect a resilient and dynamic sector that continues to drive economic development and innovation on both national and global scales.
