The year 2026 marks the beginning of China's 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-30) and the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Africa. As the first Chinese port to build a port in Africa, Yantai Port has aligned its services with the economic needs of African nations, promoting a shipping model in which vessels import bauxite from Africa and carry break-bulk exports on the return journey.

　　According to customs statistics, the two-way aggregate throughput hit 44.81 million tons during the period from January to July, rising 23.5 percent year on year. It exceeded the 40-million-ton threshold two months earlier than last year, maintaining its position as China's top port for trade exchanges with Africa.