Today, only Germany has more trade through Charleston than China. Of the 154 nations and territories with service through Charleston, China trade represents 10% of total volume and more than 126,000 TEUs (20-foot equivalent units) annually.
The China trade through Charleston is predominantly inbound, with Chinese exports representing 72% of total volume. Twenty ocean carriers offer seven weekly sailings/arrivals between Charleston and China.
A number of distribution centers and retail customers are diversifying their port mix, even among East Coast ports. Charleston continues to see big-box retailers moving more cargo through its port, as opposed to traditional Asian cargo gateways where the pains of growth and congestion are a reality.
As the nation's 4th largest container port, Charleston is a proven product when it comes to handling large and growing volumes of cargo.
Backgrounder on U.S.-China Trade via Charleston
Vessel Services - 7 Weekly Sailings/Arrivals by 20 Ocean Carriers