Port of Vancouver sets cargo record on grain, crude exports

The Port of Vancouver handled a record 88.1 million metric tonnes of cargo in the first six months of 2026, up 3 per cent from the same period last year, driven by strong exports of grain and crude oil to Indo-Pacific markets.

Bulk grain exports rose 14 per cent to a record 17.4 million metric tonnes, while crude oil exports increased 3 per cent to a record 12 million metric tonnes. The port said almost 80 per cent of crude oil exports were destined for Indo-Pacific markets, led by China and South Korea.

Containerized cargo volumes reached 1.9 million TEU during the first half of the year, with exports up 4 per cent and imports up 2 per cent. Vehicle imports also reached a new mid-year record, rising 10 per cent to more than 264,000 units.

“More than $1 billion in goods moves through the port each and every day,” said Peter Xotta, president and chief executive officer of the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority.

According to the port authority, more than 80 per cent of exports moving through the port are destined for markets outside the United States, with China, South Korea and Japan ranking as the top destinations.

The port said containerized grain exports increased more than 20 per cent, while fertilizer volumes remained stable and coal exports declined 3 per cent. Cruise passenger visits rose 11 per cent to a record 560,215 during the first six months of the year.