A study on the efficiency and influencing factors of China’s four-stage ports using DEA and Tobit two-stage models

Chinese ports reached their fourth stage of development in 2013. Based on this context, this study analyzes the efficiency of four-stage ports using time series data on 16 major coastal ports in China from 2010 to 2019, covering the latter half of stage three into stage four. Using Data Envelope Analysis (DEA)-Window and Tobit models, the results indicate that although most ports maintained high efficiency, issues such as inefficient resource use, over-expansion, and a lack of strategic planning were identified. Particularly, based on the average efficiency scores, ports in the central region exhibited relatively lower efficiency levels compared to those on the north and south coasts. Factors such as local population size, industrial productivity, and economic level positively influenced efficiency. In addition, our results showed a negative correlation between port efficiency and loans from financial institutions, suggesting financial support may not always positively contribute to port development. Based on these findings, we propose policy recommendations for the Chinese government, port management authorities, operators, and the international port industry.