China Port Congestion Update
Shanghai remains congested, while Ningbo and Yantian are gradually improving
September 24th, 2026
We would like to provide an update on the ongoing congestion affecting major Chinese container ports.
The situation has improved compared with the severe congestion seen earlier in September, particularly at Ningbo and Yantian. However, the network has not yet returned to normal, and Shanghai continues to experience significant vessel and terminal delays.
Shanghai
Shanghai remains the main area of concern.
The latest available industry data indicates an average vessel waiting time of approximately 4.72 days. Conditions vary considerably between terminals, with some Yangshan and Waigaoqiao facilities still reporting waiting times of approximately 6–8 days.
High berth congestion and elevated yard utilisation continue to affect vessel schedules and terminal operations.
As a result, shipments moving through Shanghai should still allow additional time for vessel berthing, cargo handling and departure.6%
Ningbo
The situation at Ningbo has improved from the levels seen earlier this month, although congestion has not completely cleared.
The latest seven-day average vessel waiting time is around 2.51 days, compared with approximately 3.58 days earlier in September. Some terminals continue to experience longer waiting times, with MSICT around four days.
This indicates that the backlog is gradually being reduced, but vessel schedules can still be affected.
Yantian
Yantian has seen a more noticeable improvement.
Latest data indicates an average vessel waiting time of around 1.56 days, while separate weekly port data for 13–19 September showed a median waiting time of only 0.37 days, categorised as low congestion.
However, terminal yard and gate conditions can still create delays for individual export shipments, particularly around the upcoming holiday period.
What this means for your shipments
The overall situation is moving in the right direction, but recovery is uneven.
Shanghai: Significant congestion remains and additional schedule buffer is recommended.
Ningbo: Conditions are improving, but delays remain possible.
Yantian: Considerably better than earlier in September, although local terminal and gate restrictions can still affect cargo.
The recent series of typhoons caused substantial disruption across Chinese ports, with the resulting vessel bunching and backlogs continuing to affect September schedules. Industry reports now indicate that Chinese port congestion is gradually easing from its recent peak, but the recovery is still ongoing.
Upcoming holiday period
The timing is also important. China’s Mid-Autumn Festival runs from 25–27 September, followed by the National Day / Golden Week holiday from 1–7 October.
With only a limited number of normal working days between these holiday periods, there is a risk that remaining backlogs and vessel schedule disruptions will take longer to clear.
For shipments planned during this period, we recommend allowing additional time for vessel departures and arrivals, particularly for cargo moving through Shanghai and Ningbo.
We will continue monitoring port conditions, vessel waiting times and carrier schedules and will provide further updates if there are any significant changes.
Current overall assessment: congestion is easing, but Shanghai remains under significant pressure and the wider China network has not yet fully recovered.