The Northwest Seaport Alliance recorded total container volume of 714,719 TEUs in the first quarter of 2026, a 14.2% decline year-on-year.
The result reflects a significant contraction in full imports, which fell 18% compared to a strong first quarter in 2025 when importers front-loaded cargo ahead of anticipated tariff increases.
Full exports provided a partial offset, growing 1.8 percent following two consecutive months of gains.
March 2026 container volume reached 278,829 TEUs, down 10.1% on March 2025. Full imports declined 9.1% during the month, while full exports increased 1.2%, continuing the positive export trend recorded through the quarter.
Domestic container volumes were broadly stable, up 0.2% year-to-date, with Alaska traffic increasing 0.3% and Hawaii volumes declining 0.4%. Breakbulk cargo was a notable bright spot, with year-to-date volumes reaching 96,088 metric tonnes, a 25% increase driven by strong industrial demand.
Auto volumes declined 16.8% to 64,121 units year-to-date, reflecting the continued impact of tariffs on the automotive sector.
On the infrastructure front, Senator Patty Murray joined a press event at Terminal 30to highlight new federal funding secured for port infrastructure projects.
The Northwest Seaport Alliance will receive US$ 8 million in congressionally directed spending to expand shore power at Terminal 18, enabling vessels to connect to clean electricity while at berth.
An additional US$ 2.3 million in federal funding was secured for the US Army Corps of Engineers to complete the design of the West Waterway deepening project, which will allow Terminal 5 to more efficiently accommodate the largest container ships calling at North American ports.
