Cargo Stats

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Monthly cargo reports

We are the fourth-largest container gateway in North America, and our regional marine cargo facilities are also a major center for bulk, breakbulk, project/heavy-lift cargoes, automobiles and trucks. We report volumes each month.

Jan 17 2020

NWSA container volumes dip 0.6% in 2019

Jan 17 2020

cargo stats
The Northwest Seaport Alliance’s total container volumes for 2019 reached 3,775,303 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), a 0.6% dip from 2018. Total imports fell 4.9%, while exports grew 1.7%.

In December, NWSA handled a total of 284,452 TEUs, a 18.5% decrease from an unusually high December 2018 as shippers moved cargo ahead of tariffs. International imports were down 25.7%, while exports were down 15.3% for the month.

Domestic container volumes in December decreased 4.1% over December 2018. Alaska’s and Hawaii’s year-to-date volumes were up 4.8% and 2.9%, respectively, with total domestic volumes growing 4.5%.

NWSA is accepting nominations for the 2019 North Star Awards through Jan. 31, 2020. In its second year, this program honors companies going above and beyond in their efforts to promote business activity and environmental sustainability in the Seattle and Tacoma port gateway. Winners will be announced at the NWSA Annual Breakfast on March 25 at the Museum of Flight. Learn more about the North Star Awards.

Other cargo highlights:

  • Breakbulk cargo tonnage was down 1.1% year over year to 246,412 metric tons.
  • NWSA auto volumes were 155,930 units, up 10.5% year over year.

View the December 2019 cargo reports:
Dec 19 2019

YTD container exports up 3.5 percent while trade war impacts November volumes

Dec 19 2019

The Northwest Seaport Alliance’s total container volumes from January through November 2019 reached 3,490,851 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), a 1.2% increase from the same period last year. Imports fell 2.6% while exports grew 3.5%.

In November, the NWSA’s overall container volumes were 271,178 TEUs, a 15.1% decrease from an unusually high November 2018. International imports were down 19.5%, while exports were down 17.8% for the month. In response to light volumes resulting from the ongoing U.S.-China trade war, shipping lines canceled nine scheduled vessel calls in November, compared to five in November 2018.

Domestic container volumes in November increased 2.9% over November 2018. Alaska’s and Hawaii’s year-to-date volumes were up 5.8% and 1.9%, respectively.

Nominations will soon open for NWSA’s North Star Awards. In its second year, this program honors companies going above and beyond in their efforts to promote business activity and environmental sustainability in the Seattle/Tacoma port gateway. Nominations will be accepted from Jan. 2 through Jan. 31. Winners will be announced at the NWSA Annual Breakfast on Wednesday, March 25, at the Museum of Flight. Learn more about the North Star Awards.

Other cargo highlights:

  • Breakbulk cargo volumes were up 1% year to date to 231,304 metric tons.
  • NWSA auto volumes year to date were 138,422 units, up 15.8%.

View the November 2019 cargo reports:
Nov 18 2019

NWSA’s total container volumes up nearly 3 percent for 2019

Nov 18 2019

Ships and cranes at a port.
The Northwest Seaport Alliance’s 2019 container volumes through October reached 3,219,673 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), a 2.9% increase from the same period last year. Exports grew 5.7%, while imports fell 0.9%.

In October, the NWSA’s overall container volumes were 310,066 TEUs, a 7.2% decrease from an unusually high October 2018. International imports were down 15.4%, while exports were down 4% for the month. Full exports for the month grew 7.1% due to strong demand for U.S. agricultural products in established and emerging markets in Asia outside of China. The impact of the ongoing trade war continues to be felt with full international imports contributing to most of the decline.

Domestic container volumes in October increased 6.8% over October 2018. Alaska’s and Hawaii’s year-to-date volumes were up 6.1% and 1.4%, respectively.

Our Terminal 5 modernization project continues in the North Harbor. Soil excavation to install new crane rail are underway. Crews are also installing rebar and forms for a new electrical vault. Upgrading the power supply from 5 MW to 25 MW will provide shore power capabilities and supply power up to 1,000 refrigerated containers.

Other cargo highlights:

  • Breakbulk cargo volumes were up 1.1% year to date to 213,330 metric tons.
  • NWSA auto volumes year to date were 126,676 units, up 16.3%.

View the October 2019 cargo reports:

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