The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority’s annual statistics have revealed a record 158 million metric tonnes (MMT) of cargo flowed through the port in 2024.
This is a 5 per cent increase year-on-year (YoY) driven by excellent performances in the auto, bulk and container sectors.
Peter Xotta, President and CEO of the Port Authority, said: “The Port of Vancouver stands ready to support efforts to diversify Canada’s international trade and build a strong, resilient national economy.
“We will continue partnering with governments and industry to plan and deliver the long-term capacity needed to support trade through the gateway—in support of all Canadians.”
In 2024, the Port of Vancouver handled nearly as much cargo as Canada’s next five largest ports combined. About 80 per cent of its international trade was with countries other than the US.
Imports (laden inbound) increased by 14 per cent, driven by retailer restocking and a shift to the west coast due to disruptions in the Red Sea trade route.
Exports (laden outbound) rose by 5 per cent, with Canadian businesses continuing to rely on containers to ship goods worldwide. The port’s containerised exports reached 128 countries in 2024.
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Xotta added: “The strength of our gateway shone bright last year with the port moving record volumes despite a challenging environment that included numerous disruptions.
“I want to acknowledge port operators and our supply chain partners for their unwavering dedication to serving Canada and its trade needs — in 2024 our supply chain flexed but never broke.”
Climate change and extreme weather events such as wildfires, rising local and global geopolitical tensions, and labour conflicts were among the challenges confronting the port community in 2024.
