China’s shipbuilding industry has decisively maintained its global lead for a sixteenth consecutive year. Official data for 2025 shows dominance across completions, new orders, and backlogs. Consequently, this sustained performance underscores the sector’s entrenched international competitiveness. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology released these definitive metrics recently.
The industry completed 53.69 million deadweight tons last year alone. This figure represents a solid 11.4 percent year-on-year increase. Furthermore, it accounts for a commanding 56.1 percent of the total global market share. New orders reached an even more impressive 107.82 million deadweight tons. Therefore, Chinese shipbuilders captured sixty-nine percent of worldwide new orders.
Moreover, the industry’s order backlog hit a historic peak by year’s end. It stood at 274.42 million deadweight tons, rising 31.5 percent annually. This backlog also constitutes 66.8 percent of the global total. These three metrics collectively confirm an unassailable global lead for the sector.
Six major Chinese companies now rank among the world’s top ten shipbuilders. Additionally, Chinese firms lead in new orders for sixteen out of eighteen major vessel types. The delivery of multiple green and intelligent vessels marks a key breakthrough. This progress signals clear high-end upgrading across the national industry.
Expert Bian Yongzu linked this success to fundamental economic strengths. China’s position as the top global goods trader creates enormous maritime demand. Its comprehensive industrial system provides a decisive competitive advantage. Moreover, substantial research and development investments lay a solid technological foundation. A steadily advancing financial system also supports critical industry financing needs.
The nation’s large pool of skilled labor represents another major asset. Professions like welding and assembly are crucial for shipbuilding. China’s manufacturing base continuously nurtures this essential technical workforce. Consequently, the sector avoids talent bottlenecks that hinder other nations. This skilled labor directly supports the industry’s ongoing global lead.
The data indicates strong momentum for high-quality industrial development. The strategic focus on green and intelligent shipbuilding is yielding results. This global lead secures significant economic and geopolitical influence for China. The sector is a core component of national manufacturing strength. Its performance directly supports broader maritime trade and logistics chains.
Future prospects depend on continued innovation and talent retention. The industry must navigate evolving international environmental regulations. It will also face competitive pressures from other shipbuilding nations. However, its current scale and integration provide a formidable market position. The sustained global lead seems likely to continue in the near term. This dominance remains a benchmark for global industrial planning and competition.
