COSCO SHIPPING Ports reported steady growth in the first quarter of 2026, with higher throughput and improved financial performance despite global uncertainty.
The company handled 38.9 million TEU, up 8.9% year on year. Equity throughput rose 7.5% to 11.9 million TEU.
Revenue increased 10.3% to $420.9 million. Profit attributable to shareholders reached $85.6 million, up 2%.
Growth came mainly from non-controlling terminals, where throughput jumped 10.6%. Controlled terminals grew more modestly at 2.9%.
China remained the core market. Terminals in the country handled 28.6 million TEU, up 5.4%, accounting for nearly three-quarters of total volumes.
The Bohai Rim led regional growth with a 7.7% increase. The Yangtze River Delta also expanded, supported by stronger rail connectivity and logistics integration.
The Pearl River Delta posted a 5.9% rise, driven by recovering demand from Europe and the United States. However, volumes on the Southeast Coast declined due to route adjustments.
Overseas terminals delivered the strongest performance. Throughput surged 19.8% to 10.3 million TEU, reflecting resilient operations across global markets.
In Greece, volumes at Piraeus declined due to weaker Mediterranean demand and bad weather. In Peru, the Chancay terminal more than doubled volumes as services expanded.
COSCO SHIPPING Ports said it maintained resilience through cost control, operational efficiency and network optimisation.
Looking ahead, the company expects continued uncertainty from geopolitical tensions, supply chain costs and shifting trade policies.
It plans to focus on three priorities: expanding its global terminal network, improving operational efficiency, and accelerating digital and green transformation.
