Port Houston recorded its strongest monthly container performance since July 2025 as cargo demand remained resilient and energy exports continued to drive growth across the Houston Ship Channel region.
The latest Houston Ship Channel Region Monthly Trade & Market Report shows that loaded imports reached 188,276 TEUs in May, up 13% year-on-year. Loaded exports increased 2% to 134,934 TEUs, while total container throughput rose 4% to 398,322 TEUs.
Port Houston said May represented its largest monthly container volume since July 2025, highlighting continued cargo demand at its public terminals.
Beyond containers, total cargo tonnage handled at Port Houston’s public terminals increased 2% to 4.97 million tons during the month. General cargo volumes rose 29% year-to-date, although steel imports remained below last year’s levels despite reaching their highest monthly volume since August 2025.
Across the wider Houston Ship Channel region, exports continued to outperform imports. Export tonnage reached 19.84 million short tons in April, up 28% from a year earlier, while imports increased 3% to 4.95 million short tons. Total cargo tonnage climbed 23% year-on-year to 24.79 million short tons.
The report also highlighted strong growth in U.S. energy exports. Through April, crude oil export tonnage increased 35%, while refined product exports rose 29%.
“The Houston Ship Channel region is where American energy production meets global demand,” said Charlie Jenkins, CEO of Port Houston. He added that investments, including the Houston Ship Channel Expansion Project 11, continue to strengthen export capacity and supply chain reliability.
Vessel activity also remained strong in May. Deep-draft vessel transits increased 11% year-on-year to 1,649, while barge transits remained stable at 17,737.
