Port of Toronto cargo volumes rise as salt, steel imports climb

The Toronto Port Authority says cargo volumes at the Port of Toronto rose in 2025, with imports increasing 4.5 per cent compared with the previous year.

The port handled more than 2.16 million metric tonnes of cargo delivered by 167 vessels during the year, including 751,353 tonnes of road salt, 575,898 tonnes of sugar, 714,843 tonnes of cement, 57,667 tonnes of aggregate and 79,079 tonnes of steel products.

Salt imports jumped 50 per cent year over year, driven by demand from an icy winter, while steel imports rose 24 per cent. Sugar volumes were unchanged, and cement imports fell 15 per cent, the first decline since 2022, suggesting softer demand from the construction sector.

“The Port of Toronto reported excellent results in 2025, reinforcing the critical role it plays in the movement of people and goods,” said RJ Steenstra, president and CEO of the Toronto Port Authority. “While the year was marked by uncertainty around tariffs and shifting trade dynamics, our operations remained strong, delivering essential goods to the heart of Canada’s most populous region. We look forward to continuing to assess opportunities for modernizing our operations and strengthening Canada’s position as it seeks to diversify trade.”

The Toronto Port Authority said the port continues to serve as a key logistics hub for the Greater Toronto Area, supporting construction, manufacturing and food and beverage production, while helping reduce congestion and emissions by shifting freight from road to marine transport.