China Surpasses U.S. Naval Shipbuilding by More Than Twice as Global Fleet Expands

China has significantly outpaced the United States in naval shipbuilding over the past two years, constructing more than twice the tonnage of combat ships compared to its rival, according to a report published ahead of the Euronaval maritime defense show in Paris. The World Defense Shipbuilding report reveals that China built 636,208 tons of naval vessels from 2024 through December 2025, while the U.S. constructed only 270,509 tons during the same period.

This development underscores a growing imbalance in global naval capabilities as both countries race to expand their maritime forces. China's shipbuilding surge has not only narrowed the gap between its navy and that of the United States but also positioned it as the leading player in international naval construction. The report indicates that Chinese naval yards accounted for over 30% of all combat vessel tonnage built globally during this timeframe.

The rapid expansion of China’s naval capacity is raising concerns among U.S. lawmakers and defense analysts who fear that delays and inefficiencies in American shipbuilding could compromise the U.S. Navy's ability to maintain its dominance. Congressional researchers have warned about the potential impact on America’s strategic maritime capabilities, especially given the increasing number of Chinese vessels being deployed.

Philippe Missoffe, general director of Gican, a French maritime industry association, highlighted during a press briefing that there has been a notable increase in power capabilities, particularly in nuclear-powered attack submarines. This trend reflects broader shifts in global naval strategy and technological advancements aimed at enhancing military prowess.

The report also noted a significant uptick in overall global naval construction activity, with 1.47 million tons of combat vessels built between 2024 and 2025—a substantial increase from the previous two-year period when only 959,671 tons were constructed. The value of these constructions reached $123.9 billion, marking a significant rise from the $81.8 billion spent in 2022-2023.

Despite China's recent surge, the U.S. still maintains a larger overall fleet, with its combat vessels totaling more than 3.11 million tons as of January 1, 2026. This compares to China’s 1.44 million tons, though these figures have been trending in favor of China over the past two years.

Other nations also made notable contributions to global naval construction during this period, with Russia taking third place by building 149,056 tons of ships. India followed closely behind at 76,430 tons, while Italy contributed 53,700 tons. Turkey, France, Japan, South Korea, and Romania completed the top ten list.

The upcoming Euronaval show in Paris is expected to attract a record number of exhibitors, with participation increasing by more than 40% compared to previous years. This event will provide a platform for international maritime defense companies to showcase their latest innovations and technologies, further highlighting the evolving landscape of global naval capabilities.

This shift in naval shipbuilding trends signals a changing dynamic in global military power structures, with implications for strategic alliances and geopolitical tensions moving forward.