#China #Qingdao #Xinhua Silk Road #maritime logistics #Commodity Markets

New Indices Unveiled in East China

Recently, two significant indices have been introduced aimed at enhancing understanding of global maritime logistics and commodity markets stationed within East China. Launched by the Xinhua Indices Institute, these indices discuss developments expected in 2025, shedding light on both the logistics channels and bulk commodity movements at the Shandong ports.

The first index is known as the Global Maritime Corridor Development Index, which gained attention with its subcategory — the Major Shipping Corridor Index — witnessing a notable increase of 12.3% year-over-year, reaching 109.91 points by the conclusion of 2025. This increase signals a robust resilience found within the major marine shipping routes, although geopolitical tensions continue to impose a substantial influence.

In the past year, varying levels of resilience have been observed across maritime corridors, with Asian routes emerging as the new focal point for global shipping activities. The findings of this index indicate that among the 19 major port clusters evaluated worldwide, Chinese port clusters play an indispensable role in maintaining the flow of global supply chains.

Comparative analyses between Chinese ports and their international counterparts reveal a significant advantage for the former in crucial metrics such as throughput of goods, container handling capabilities, and the cohesive development of port facilities alongside surrounding industries and urban centers. In particular, the port cluster of Shandong has been highlighted for its outstanding productivity, operational capabilities, and an integrated development strategy that synergizes with local urban growth.

The second index, referred to as the Xinhua-Shandong Port Bulk Commodity Index, outlined a dynamic environment for the logistics, storage, and trade of various bulk commodities originating from Shandong ports. In this latest reporting cycle, the Xinhua SPG Port Crude Oil Tank Capacity Active Level Index, a sub-index of the broader commodity findings, has registered a significant rise, peaking at 2054.64 points on November 28—demonstrating a remarkable 105.46% increase compared to the base period data.

Moreover, the sub-indexes have shown a consistent demand for iron ore through 2025. In an evolving market context shaped by energy transition trends, the Xinhua SPG Port Sulphur Price Index achieved a record high on December 11, soaring by 168.97% from earlier in the year. Market analysts assert that the data emerging from these indices promotes greater transparency in the bulk commodity markets, thus serving as essential resources for decision-makers across various sectors of the industry.

Overall, the indices launched by Xinhua Silk Road are anticipated to provide critical insights for industry participants. As global supply chains continue to evolve, these benchmarks could prove vital in enabling enhanced strategic planning and operational efficiency among stakeholders in the maritime logistics and commodities sectors.