The Incheon Port Authority (IPA) has announced that as of Dec. 22, the container traffic at Incheon Port has surpassed 3.35 million TEU and is projected to approach a total of 3.45 million TEU. This figure is expected to set a new record high.
Notably, the export performance of used cars is anticipated to reach 500,000 units by the end of the year, surpassing the approximately 400,000 units recorded in 2019. Approximately 80% of these used cars are exported in containers, significantly contributing to the increase in container traffic. Incheon Port accounts for nearly 80% of the nation’s used car exports, making it the leading port in this sector.
Incheon Port has expanded its container routes, with eight new routes established last year, bringing the total to 70. This is the highest number of routes ever for the port. New stops were added in the Middle East and Bangladesh, and a route to Indonesia, considered the “Next China,” was also opened.
Furthermore, the surge in e-commerce between South Korea and China has led to a substantial increase in overseas direct purchase volumes through Incheon Port. The e-commerce cargo volume, as of mid-December last year, reached 18,071 tons, exceeding the previous record of 15,311 tons in 2022. This represents the highest e-commerce cargo volume among national ports.
Exports of seafood through Incheon Port have also significantly increased compared to previous years. As of the end of last month, the seafood export volume was 17,330 tons, poised to reach an all-time high. This increase is attributed to the growth in exports to China, contrasting with the reduced export performance of other ports due to external factors.
President Lee Kyung-kyu of the Incheon Port Authority commented, “Thanks to the relentless efforts of the port workers in Incheon, the year 2023 has seen a substantial increase in cargo volume, more than any other year. We will continue to work towards making Incheon Port an ideal logistics hub and sustain this growth trend in the coming year.”