The Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) reported a 3.5% increase in year-to-date (YTD) container volumes through July. Total volumes reached 249,578 TEUs for the month, down 6% compared to July 2024, when Canadian labor disruptions had temporarily boosted traffic through the gateway.
Full international imports in July rose 3.5% from June but fell 11.4% year over year. Exports showed stronger momentum, climbing 19.9% compared to the same period last year. NWSA officials credited smooth vessel and rail operations for the export growth. YTD, full imports are up 0.9% while full exports declined 1%.
On the domestic side, volumes increased 2.6% year to date. Shipments to Alaska grew 1.5%, and Hawaii volumes jumped 8.7%.
New Incentive Programs
To encourage growth, NWSA has introduced two initiatives for the 2025–2026 program year: an International Container Rail Cargo Incentive and a Voyage Consistency & On-Time Arrival Award Program. Together, these programs will provide up to $12 million in funding to boost rail volumes, balance intermodal cargo flow, and reward schedule reliability.
Other Cargo Sectors
Breakbulk cargo volumes fell 23.2% year to date, totaling 206,180 metric tons. NWSA said high interest rates and tariffs continue to weigh on the sector. Auto volumes also declined, with 170,076 units moved year to date, down 15.9% amid slowing U.S. auto sales.
