China’s Liner Delivery Connectivity Index reached 1,347.6 in September 2026, greater than double the scores of second-ranked South Korea, at 633.0, and Singapore, at 626.7.
The United Nations Convention on Commerce and Growth (UNCTAD) index gauges a rustic’s integration into container-shipping networks utilizing elements together with vessel calls, port capability, service and repair availability, largest ship measurement and the variety of international locations reached via direct companies.
The newest figures underline Asia’s persevering with central position in liner delivery. China led the area, whereas eight Asian economies — South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Japan, India, Hong Kong and Taiwan — have been among the many world’s 15 best-connected economies within the third quarter, UNCTAD mentioned.
China’s hole persists
China’s connectivity benefit has remained sturdy since 2023 and elevated additional via September, UNCTAD mentioned. South Korea and Singapore retained excessive scores regardless of modest month-to-month declines, and each remained above their ranges a 12 months earlier.
The US and Malaysia held fourth and fifth place, respectively. Their September index readings elevated from August however remained beneath September 2025 ranges, indicating an enchancment within the instant interval with out a full restoration in year-over-year connectivity.
On the regional degree, the US was the main performer in North America, Spain led Europe, Egypt led Africa, and Panama ranked first in Latin America and the Caribbean. China and Panama improved their connectivity from a 12 months earlier, whereas the US, Spain and Egypt remained regional leaders regardless of declines of their index values.
Smaller markets drive volatility
Whereas main hub economies typically recorded restricted year-over-year adjustments, smaller and less-connected economies confirmed the sharpest share swings within the third quarter, based on UNCTAD.
Venezuela posted the biggest enhance in liner-shipping connectivity from the third quarter of 2025, rising 91.4%. Saint Pierre and Miquelon elevated 89.3%, adopted by Syria at 79.7%. Persian Gulf hostilities noticed Qatar document the steepest decline, falling 65.3%, adopted by Bahrain, down 60.6%, and Iraq, down 56%.
UNCTAD mentioned connectivity losses outnumbered positive aspects within the third quarter, an indication of uneven adjustments throughout nationwide delivery networks. The information don’t essentially indicate comparable absolute adjustments throughout markets, since share actions might be extra pronounced for international locations ranging from comparatively low connectivity ranges.
China-centered Asian hyperlinks dominate
The strongest bilateral liner-shipping relationships within the first quarter of 2026 have been concentrated amongst close by buying and selling economies, notably in Asia.
China’s hyperlinks with South Korea, Singapore and Malaysia have been among the many 5 strongest bilateral connections globally, UNCTAD mentioned. The company famous that China-related connections in Asia have strengthened through the previous twenty years and now exceed many different bilateral corridors.
Two European short-sea hyperlinks —United Kingdom-Belgium and United Kingdom-Netherlands — additionally remained within the international prime 5. These routes have been as soon as the world’s strongest bilateral liner-shipping connections, based on UNCTAD.
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