Port Throughput Analysis of China and Five Member Countries of ASEAN

Aim of this paper is to measure the efficiency of ports of China against that of the five member countries of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN). It does so by analyzing the port performance efficiency of the ports under consideration. It also highlights the ports where performance is more efficient by contrasting these with other five member countries of ASEAN (called ASEAN-5) ports. This study applies data envelopment analysis (DEA), a non-parametric methodology based on linear programming. It indicates that the efficiencies of the ports of China are at a greater level than those of the other ASEAN-5 ports. The member countries of Asian Free trade Area can derive benefits from understanding these efficiencies. The study also draws conclusions concerning port operations which will contribute to suggested operation plans for those ASEAN-5 ports.