The Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) handled 218,239 TEUs across international and domestic cargo in April 2026.
The figure marked a 21.4 per cent year-on-year (YoY) decline following the exceptionally strong comparative period recorded in April 2025.
The previous year’s volumes had been driven by cargo frontloading ahead of anticipated tariff measures.
Full import volumes fell 29.9 per cent in April, while full exports declined 12.3 per cent.
Year-to-date (YTD) throughput reached 932,958 TEUs, down 16 per cent compared with the same period in 2025. Full imports decreased 20.9 per cent, while exports recorded a more limited decline of 1.8 per cent.
Domestic container volumes were down 1.3 per cent YTD. Alaska-related cargo declined 1.5 per cent, while Hawaii volumes slipped 0.2 per cent.
READ: NWSA exports rise as imports drop in Q1 2026
Despite softer container volumes, breakbulk cargo continued to strengthen. Year-to-date breakbulk throughput reached 125,411 metric tonnes, up 24 per cent, supported by sustained industrial demand.
Vehicle volumes, however, remained under pressure. Auto throughput totalled 87,664 units through April, representing a 12.4 per cent decline year-on-year as tariffs continued to impact the sector.
Alongside the cargo update, the NWSA confirmed that nominations for the 2026 North Star Awards will run from 1 June to 30 June.
The programme recognises customers and supply chain partners across categories including import and export performance, ocean carrier operations, service excellence and environmental stewardship.
For more information:
The Northwest Seaport Alliance – https://www.nwseaportalliance.com/
