The Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) reported a 24% increase in breakbulk cargo volumes through April 2026, driven by strong industrial demand.
Year-to-date breakbulk cargo reached 125,411 metric tons.
Container volumes, however, declined compared to last year’s strong performance linked to tariff-related frontloading.
In April, total container throughput reached 218,239 TEUs, down 21.4% year-on-year.
Full imports fell 29.9%, while full exports decreased 12.3%.
For the fiscal year through April, NWSA handled 932,958 TEUs, a decline of 16% compared to the same period in 2025.
Year-to-date full imports dropped 20.9%, while exports decreased 1.8%.
Domestic container volumes remained relatively stable, declining only 1.3%.
Alaska volumes fell 1.5%, while Hawaii cargo volumes slipped 0.2%.
Vehicle volumes also declined. NWSA handled 87,664 auto units through April, down 12.4% year-on-year as tariffs continued to affect the automotive sector.
