Port of Vancouver Sees Record Cargo Volumes Amid Strong Commodity Exports

Record cargo volumes at Port of Vancouver are driven by strong commodity exports. The port saw an increase in overall cargo volumes to 88.1 million metric tonnes (MMT) for the first six months of 2026, up 3% compared to the same period for 2025.

The growth was largely due to record volumes of Prairie grain and Alberta crude oil delivered to Indo-Pacific markets. Exports of other key commodities like fertilizer and coal remained stable, while containerized trade also showed strength with a 4% increase in exports and 2% increase in imports.

Peter Xotta, President and CEO of the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, attributed the growth to the entire port community and supply chain partners. He stated that more than $1 billion in goods move through the port each day, and with projects like Roberts Bank Terminal 2 on the horizon, they're ready to step up and deliver more.

Cruise operations at the port remain on course for the busiest season of all time, with a record 141 cruise ship calls and 560,000 passenger visits between February and the end of June 2026. The Port of Vancouver handles about half of Canada's two-way container trade, comprising exports of forestry products, food, machinery, and premium grain.