According to recent data from the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, the first half of 2025 has seen remarkable trade activity at the Port of Vancouver, with over 85 million metric tonnes (MMT) of cargo processed between January and June. This marks a significant 13% increase compared to last year, underscoring the port’s vital role as a conduit for Canadian exports looking beyond traditional U.S. markets.
The terminals at this bustling port have reported nearly a 20% rise in international trade volumes year-over-year. Notably, there has been an impressive uptick in exports such as crude oil, canola oil, grain products, potash, and coal directed towards global markets—a trend that emerges amidst ongoing geopolitical challenges affecting global trade dynamics.
“The reliance on the Port of Vancouver is crucial for Canadians who depend on it for their manufacturing and agricultural needs,” stated Peter Xotta, President and CEO of the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority. “In these unprecedented times, I commend our port community and supply chain partners for achieving record-breaking trade volumes this year.”
As Canada’s largest port by far—handling as much cargo as its next five competitors combined—Vancouver connects with over 170 economies worldwide. Remarkably, more than 80% of its trade involves nations outside North America; this positions it strategically as Canadian businesses seek to broaden their export horizons.
The surge in crude oil exports was particularly striking—a staggering increase of 365%, reaching nearly 12 MMT following enhancements made to Trans Mountain’s pipeline system that became operational in May 2024. A significant portion (around 60%) was shipped to China while other countries like South Korea and Japan also saw substantial increases compared to their full-year totals from last year.
Agricultural exports are thriving too; canola oil shipments rose by an impressive 72%, totaling approximately 0.7 MMT during this period. The port successfully linked producers with new international buyers amid declining demand from traditional markets such as China and the U.S., expanding export destinations from four countries last year to twelve—including Belgium and Mexico.
Grain shipments also performed well with an overall growth rate of about 8%. Wheat alone saw a notable rise by up to16%, while canola seed increased by around12%. New market opportunities emerged across various regions including Mexico and France which helped mitigate impacts caused by tariffs imposed by China.
The fertilizer sector mirrored these positive trends; potash exports climbed by26%, marking one of its best performances ever recorded during this timeframe while sulphur saw a modest increase too.
Coal experienced a slight dip but remained stable overall.
“We’re leveraging innovative technologies that enhance our operational efficiency,” Xotta added regarding advancements like their Active Vessel Traffic Management Program which has streamlined operations significantly while accommodating increased shipping volumes effectively.
Despite uncertainties globally impacting containerized shipping trends elsewhere, mid-2025 figures show strong performance through Vancouver’s ports—with approximately1.88 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) moved so far—a6% growth largely attributed to domestic trading activities making it one of the highest mid-year totals recorded since2019.
Xotta remarked on containerized trade’s resilience: “It reflects not only our economy’s strength but also adaptability amidst external pressures.” To support future expansion plans further along those lines includes advancing toward final investment decisions regarding Roberts Bank Terminal2 project aimed at unlocking additional capacity worth $100 billion annually within West Coast trading routes.
While bulk cargoes thrived overall some sectors did see minor declines; cruise ship visits dropped slightly yet still contributed significantly economically—each visit generating around $3 million locally accordingto studies conducted previously indicating robust tourism potential remains intact despite fluctuations observed recently within travel industries globally due pandemic-related restrictions easing gradually now across many regions worldwide!
