The Port of Hamburg has the world’s largest centre for trading and storing carpets. Hamburg is the leading European hub for imports, particularly from Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India. Germany is the leading market for hand-knotted carpets. Most of the goods reach the German market via the Port of Hamburg. Other European countries import a major part of their oriental rugs through the port, as well.

The petrochemical and pharmaceutical industries are among the noteworthy customers of the Port of Hamburg. About 12 million metric tons of unpackaged liquid bulk cargo and general cargo of all classes of dangerous materials are shipped via Hamburg in adherence to the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG).

Numerous companies in the Port of Hamburg provide special warehouses and tanks conforming to the newest safety regulations for dangerous goods.