The world is diversifying around China, not away from it
- China-linked container exports continued to grow in the first half of 2026, defying expectations that tariffs and geopolitical tensions would accelerate a sustained decline in direct trade
- Southeast Asia is becoming an extension of China’s manufacturing base, driving additional container demand
- Rising exports of AI, semiconductor and energy-transition products are adding fresh momentum to trade growth
Container volumes, carrier deployment and customs data suggest efforts to diversify supply chains are reshaping Chinese trade rather than reducing it, as exports expand across Asia, the US and a growing range of higher-value industries
