China at centre of dry bulk trade and global economy: INTERCARGO

Addressing the keynote session of the Senior Maritime Forum official conference of the Marintec China event last week, Dimitris N. Monioudis, Chairman of the Technical Committee of INTERCARGO, described how China is central to the dry bulk trade, which in turn is essential to the functioning of the global economy.

“When the world needs steel, aluminium, grains, minerals or fuel, it turns to the dry bulk fleet. That fleet supports the flow of opportunity, the flow of progress and the flow of everyday life. And at the centre of these flows stands China,” he told the conference, co-organised by Informa Markets and the Shanghai Society of Naval Architects & Marine Engineers (SSNAME).

“China is one of the most influential players in the dry bulk market,” he continued. “It is the world’s leading importer of iron ore. It is a central participant in coal and grain markets. It shapes tonne-mile demand. It influences freight cycles. It has a decisive impact on patterns of global economic activity. When Chinese industries expand, global trade expands. When China invests in infrastructure, the world feels the results. When China adjusts its energy mix or steel production, dry bulk markets respond. This relationship is not occasional. It is structural. It is long term. It is central to the way global trade operates.”

Monioudis went on elaborate on the International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners’ activities in China. “INTERCARGO’s engagement in China continues to grow,” he related. “In May 2025, we held our first semi-annual meeting in Guangzhou hosted by COSCO Shipping Bulk. This was an important step for our Association. It reflected our commitment to deeper cooperation with Chinese owners and operators, and it demonstrated the high value we place on China’s technical expertise, operational experience and innovation developments.

“The meeting allowed us to exchange views on safety, emissions, cargo handling and regulatory developments. It enabled us to hear directly from our Chinese members about challenges and opportunities in the sector.”

In fact, “engaging more deeply here is essential not only for INTERCARGO, but for the long- term sustainability of the global dry bulk sector,” he averred, reminding the audience of China’s leading role in building and operating the ships, as well as being central to the commodity markets and a hub for financing, research and technological innovation.

INTERCARGO’s membership across Greater China, North Asia and Singapore continues to increase, he concluded by saying. “We now have over 50 members across China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea and Singapore. This regional growth is a sign of confidence in INTERCARGO’s work, but it is also a reflection of the region’s central role in global trade.

Strengthening our membership base here gives INTERCARGO richer insight, more diverse experience and a stronger platform for constructive engagement. We welcome this growth. With it comes the opportunity to deepen technical dialogue, to promote shared approaches and to widen participation in the committees and working groups that shape our sector.”