Port of Halifax reports dip in container volumes in 2025 amid global pressures

The Port of Halifax reported a slight decline in container volumes in 2025 as global geopolitical pressures and economic uncertainty weighed on results.

Containerized cargo volumes totalled 502,000 TEU for the year, down 1.4 per cent compared with 2024. The port said exports remained stable, with strong performance in the first three quarters tapering off in the fourth quarter. It attributed the overall decline largely to the absence of one-off diversions or ad hoc vessel calls later in the year.

“Our results for 2025 highlight activities here at the Port, as we connect with more than 150 countries around the world,” said Fulvio Fracassi, president and CEO, Port of Halifax.

“Halifax is a strategic, international gateway. In 2025, we had 106 calls by vessels larger than 12,000 TEU. This demonstrates one of Halifax’s key advantages – being able to berth these very large container vessels. As Canada seeks to double its exports over the next 10 years, the Port of Halifax provides a reliable supply chain solution to the world.”

The port handled 106 ultra-large container vessel calls of 12,000 TEU or more in 2025 and said it remains the only Eastern Canadian port able to berth ships of that size.

Trade with key markets grew during the year, including China, India, Turkey, Indonesia and Japan. Asia accounted for 44 per cent of leading trading lanes, followed by Europe at 34 per cent and Latin America and the Caribbean at 10 per cent.

Total cargo tonnage reached 8.6 million metric tonnes.

The port said it will continue focusing on initiatives in 2026 to support partners and maintain its competitiveness as a national and global gateway.