被低估的内河港口，正在重塑中国产业版图

Core Viewpoint - The focus of global competition is shifting from trade and technology to maritime transport, with ports becoming a new battleground for major powers [1][3]. Group 1: Importance of Inland Ports - China is a leading maritime nation, with 2024 port cargo throughput expected to reach 17.6 billion tons and container throughput at 330 million TEUs, maintaining its global dominance [3]. - The competition in ports is evolving beyond traditional metrics like cargo throughput to include efficiency and high-value services, highlighting the need for improvement in China's port operations [5]. - The Chinese government is transitioning from "point construction" to "system layout" in port development, emphasizing the integration of coastal and inland waterways [6]. Group 2: Growth of Inland Waterway Transport - The advantages of inland ports, such as lower costs and greater flexibility, are being recognized, with 2024 inland port cargo throughput projected to reach 6.139 billion tons, a 10.5% increase [9][12]. - In 2024, over 74% of China's port berths are located inland, indicating a significant shift towards inland waterway transport [10]. - The inland waterway transport system is becoming increasingly robust, with the number of major inland ports rising to 23, and cargo throughput reaching 4.95 billion tons, nearly tripling since 2012 [13]. Group 3: Economic Impact of Ports - The port economy significantly contributes to urban GDP, with the port economy's added value in coastal cities reaching 6.2 trillion yuan in 2023, accounting for 13.4% of related city GDP [15]. - The rise of inland ports is reshaping the economic structure of cities, as seen in Shanghai's Lingang area, which integrates various strategic industries [17]. - The logistics market around ports has grown from 2.3 trillion yuan in 2020 to 2.8 trillion yuan in 2023, reflecting a 6.7% annual growth rate [21]. Group 4: Case Studies of Inland Ports - Jiangsu province exemplifies the success of inland ports, with the Suzhou Taicang Port achieving a throughput of over 600 million tons in 2023, surpassing many coastal ports [22]. - Jining, leveraging the Grand Canal, has become a key inland port with the highest cargo throughput in 2024, fostering regional industrial clusters [25][26]. - The development of inland ports is not only enhancing logistics efficiency but also providing opportunities for cities to reposition themselves on the national industrial map [28].