The global shipping market is experiencing a familiar turbulence: BDI volatility, sudden cargo surges on key routes like Shanghai-US (“space sold out until June”), and geopolitical policy shifts.

Yet beneath this surface chaos, a clear trend has emerged—international owners are decisively returning to Chinese shipyards** for both newbuilding and premium secondhand vessels. 

Global shipowners face a fragmented market: Trump’s tariffs squeeze supply chains, U.S. port fees target China-built vessels, and Red Sea disruptions amplify rate volatility. Yet beneath these headwinds, a strategic shift is unfolding— China’s shipbuilding dominance and a booming secondhand market offer stability and value. Here’s why global operators are turning eastward.