China captured 69% of global new shipbuilding orders in April 2025, reaffirming its leading position in the international shipbuilding market. According to data released by Clarksons, a top global provider of shipping intelligence, Chinese shipyards received 2.51 million CGT (Compensated Gross Tonnage) in new orders during the month.
South Korea followed in second place, securing 17% of global orders, equivalent to 620,000 CGT.
In total, 3.64 million CGT worth of new shipbuilding contracts were placed worldwide in April. While this marks a 56% decline year-on-year, it also represents an 82% increase compared to March, highlighting a significant monthly recovery in demand.
These figures underline China’s continued dominance in the global shipbuilding industry, even amid fluctuations in global order volumes.
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