Spatial overflow effects of ports on the urban economy in Bohai Rim

The spatial overflow effects of ports in Bohai Rim are investigated based on the 2000～2023 panel data of three provinces and two cities in the area. The spatial correlation test is conducted to confirm the significant autocorrelation of the urban economy in Bohai Rim. From the overall situation perspective and from partial situation perspective, the direct and indirect effects of the ports on the urban economy are explored with the spatial econometric model, in general and district specific. Research shows that, in general, the ports can significantly accelerate the economy development of the city where the port situated but have negative impact on the development of neighboring cities. But situations are different in particular districts. In Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, all the cities, the one where the port situated or neighboring ones, benefit from the port development. In contrary, in Liaoning and Shandong, the pots only benefit the cities they belong to.