Shenzhen, the second largest container port in China, was the worst performing port in the country during the first eight months of this year. This is because it was primarily an international port serving the export market, send out container loads of consumer goods produced in the Pearl River delta and destined for the west. China’s economy is now being driven by domestic consumption, which means that Shenzhen is comparing unfavourably with the Northern ports of Shanghai, Qingdao, Tianjin and Dalian which handle more domestic and regional trade. There is also stiff competition from Hong Kong, and all ports are fighting for a share of a declining market.