Busan Port March Cargo Volume Hits Record High ... 2.05 Million TEU Recorded

Published 25 Apr.2023 16:04(KST)

Updated 07 Aug.2025 14:09(KST)

In March, the container throughput at Busan Port reached a record high of 2.05 million TEU, the largest monthly volume ever recorded.

The Busan Port Authority (BPA) announced that after a slowdown since September last year, Busan Port's container throughput rebounded sharply in March, recording 2.05 million TEU, a 9.3% increase compared to the same month last year.

Although Busan Port has handled over 2 million TEU of container cargo in a month on three previous occasions, the previous highest record was 2.02 million TEU, making this the first time it has reached 2.05 million TEU.

This record-breaking throughput was significantly influenced by transshipment volume, which reached approximately 1.09 million TEU, the highest ever achieved.

In particular, the world's largest shipping company, M, which uses Busan Port as a Northeast Asia transshipment hub, contributed the most with an increase of about 80,000 TEU (approximately 53% growth) in transshipment volume in March alone.

M has been expanding its use of Busan Port since 2020, maintaining strong transshipment growth.

The company operates not only joint services with other carriers on Europe, North America, and South America routes but also independently runs routes to Japan, India, Southeast Asia, Africa, and North America, driving the increase in Busan Port's transshipment volume.

View of Busan Port.

Additionally, the rebound in exports from China following its reopening is considered one of the main factors behind the increase in Busan Port's transshipment volume in March.

According to China's customs authority, the General Administration of Customs, China's exports rebounded in March for the first time in six months, with exports to South America increasing by about 20% year-on-year.

Along with this, the base effect from lockdowns in major Chinese cities such as Shanghai starting last March and the spring sea fog causing closures at major Chinese ports also appear to have contributed to the increase in Busan Port's transshipment volume.

Kang Jun-seok, President of BPA, stated, “The rebound in Busan Port's March throughput demonstrates the port's excellent transshipment competitiveness despite global adversities,” adding, “We will enhance port operational efficiency and ensure the smooth opening of new terminals at the New Port to continuously support our major customers, the shipping companies, in using Busan Port.”