The Port of Vancouver moved record volumes of Canadian trade in the first six months of 2025, delivering vast quantities of made-in-Canada grain, energy, and fertilizer exports to diverse world markets against a challenging geopolitical backdrop.
Mid-year cargo statistics show a 13 per cent increase in goods moved between January and June 2025 compared to the same period last year—surpassing 85 million metric tonnes (MMT) of cargo for the first time. International trade through Port of Vancouver terminals rose nearly 20 per cent year-over-year, fueled by surging exports of Canadian crude, canola oil, grain, potash, and coal. Containerized trade held steady, while cruise and auto volumes eased following record-breaking performances in 2024.
“Canadians and their businesses depend on the Port of Vancouver to buy and sell the products they manufacture, farm, mine, and stock their shelves with,” says Peter Xotta, President and CEO of the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority.
“As Canadians navigate a moment in time like no other, I want to acknowledge the port community and our supply chain partners for rising to the occasion and moving record trade volumes so far this year. The Port of Vancouver has a critical role to play as Canadian businesses seek to sell more of their products to more customers outside of the U.S.”
As Canada’s largest and most diversified port, the Port of Vancouver connects the country to more than 170 global economies and handles as much cargo as Canada’s next five largest ports combined. More than 80 per cent of its trade is with countries other than the U.S.
Expanding Canadian Commodities into New Markets
Bulk exports were particularly strong in the first half of the year, including record volumes of crude oil alongside robust shipments of canola oil, grain, and potash from Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta.
Port operators also moved near-record volumes of grain, fertilizer (potash, sulphur), and coal. Grain exports rose 8 per cent, reaching their second-highest half-year total on record (behind 2021). Within that, wheat shipments increased 16 per cent, and canola seed exports rose 12 per cent. While Japan absorbed much of the growth, new markets such as Mexico, the Netherlands, France, Bangladesh, and Bulgaria helped offset the impact of Chinese tariffs.
Potash shipments climbed 26 per cent, achieving their second-highest half-year result on record (after 2019) as the sector rebounded from a slowdown in 2024.
“For decades, and prior to tariff threats, along with our partners we’ve been working hard to grow trade capacity to meet demand. Today, our growth plans and partnerships are purpose-built to help Canada rise to the occasion and get made-in-Canada products to more customers,” says Xotta.
“We all win when we work together. For example, we’re using new tech and tools to facilitate thousands of ship movements each year—improving visibility into how goods move through the port, better coordinating with supply chain partners, and adding capacity,” he says. “Our Active Vessel Traffic Management Program, combined with collaboration across the supply chain, has enabled the smooth integration of Trans Mountain’s expanded volumes while allowing CN to boost rail service to the busy North Shore trade area by 10 per cent.”
Container Trade Resilient Amid Tariff Pressures
The Port of Vancouver’s four container terminals handled 1.88 million 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in the first half of 2025, a 6 per cent increase over last year. This marks the second-highest mid-year container total on record, after 2021’s 1.94 million TEUs.
“Containerized trade—like the Canadian economy—has shown remarkable strength and resilience so far this year in the face of U.S. tariffs and global uncertainty,” says Xotta.
“More and more, we are seeing Canadian businesses turn to containers to securely trade goods with world markets. With containerized trade on a long-term growth trajectory, Roberts Bank Terminal 2 is uniquely positioned to deliver for Canada. We are advancing toward a final investment decision soon for the nation-building project, which will unlock an additional $100 billion a year in West Coast trade capacity and enable Canadian businesses to win even greater market share overseas.”
Cruise and Auto Sectors Moderate from Record Highs
Between March 5 and June 30, the port’s cruise sector welcomed just over 130 ship calls and 500,000 passenger visits. While down from 2024’s record-breaking totals, the numbers remain strong as Canada Place solidifies its reputation as one of North America’s premier homeports. Each cruise ship visit injects about $3 million into the local economy, contributing to the sector’s annual impact of roughly $1 billion.
“Canada Place is now regularly seeing upwards of 300 cruise ship calls and 1.2 million passenger visits every year—supporting jobs and local businesses throughout the region,” says Xotta. “We are honoured to partner with countless cruise and destination partners to ensure Canada Place remains a premier homeport serving the popular Alaska market—together we are making Vancouver cruise shine and creating jobs for Canadians.”
Auto volumes eased 3 per cent to 241,000 units, a modest dip from last year’s record and the third-highest total on record. Nearly all of Canada’s Asian-manufactured vehicle imports arrive via the Port of Vancouver, where upgrades at the Annacis Auto Terminal—completed earlier this year—expanded its capacity by one-third.
Foreign breakbulk volumes declined 8 per cent, reflecting a continued shift of forestry exports into containers and a slight decrease in metal imports.
The Port of Vancouver’s record-breaking first half of 2025 reaffirms its role as Canada’s vital gateway to global markets. With strong gains in bulk exports, steady container activity, and continued strength in cruise and auto sectors, the port remains central to Canada’s economic resilience. As investments in infrastructure and technology expand capacity, the Port of Vancouver is positioned to connect Canadian businesses to even more international customers in the years ahead.
