Trade activity across the Houston Ship Channel region remained strong, while Port Houston gained momentum with increases in imports, empties and a modest decline in exports.
“Our region remains resilient through evolving global trade conditions. Vessel activity in the nation’s busiest waterway is up, and we continue to see steady cargo movement that helps power industries like energy, manufacturing and retail, crucial to our national economy,” said Charlie Jenkins, CEO of Port Houston.
- The Houston Ship Channel region’s total trade by tonnage increased 16% year to date through June, driven by a 22% increase in exports while imports declined 4%.
- Port Houston handled nearly 2.6 million TEUs through July, up 1% year to date, with loaded container imports increasing 5%. Overall container growth remains positive but has moderated following stronger activity due to frontloading earlier in the year.
- East Asia continued to drive loaded container import growth at Port Houston, increasing 10% year to date and accounting for 57% of total import volume. Growth was supported by higher volumes of consumer and industrial goods, including apparel, resins and plastics, and machinery and electronics.
- General cargo total tonnage at Port Houston facilities increased 35% year to date, while steel volumes declined 18% year to date, reflecting changing trade flows, sourcing decisions, and market demand.
Houston Ship Channel Region – June 2026
Source: U.S. Census Bureau data released August 9, 2026
Tonnage (Short Tons) | July 2026 | July 2025 | Change % | 2026 YTD | 2025 YTD | Change % |
Export | 17,101,660 | 14,531,416 | ↑ 18% | 109,504,610 | 89,886,308 | ↑ 22% |
Import | 4,178,976 | 4,396,108 | ↓ 5% | 25,549,000 | 26,723,274 | ↓ 4% |
Total Tonnage | 21,280,637 | 18,927,524 | ↑ 12% | 135,053,610 | 116,609,582 | ↑ 16% |
Houston Ship Channel Vessel Call Activity – July 2026
Source: Greater Houston Port Bureau’s Marine Exchange of Texas released August 3, 2026
Vessel Traffic | July 2026 | July 2025 | Change % | 2026 YTD | 2025 YTD | Change % |
Total Deep Draft Transits | 1,523 | 1,475 | ↑ 3% | 10,859 | 10,127 | ↑ 7% |
Total Barge Transits | 19,552 | 17,539 | ↑ 11% | 129,814 | 122,163 | ↑ 6% |
Port Houston Public Terminals Performance – July 2026
Source: Port Houston
Cargo Category | June 2026 | June 2025 | Change % | 2026 YTD | 2025 YTD | Change % |
Loaded Imports (TEUs) | 181,808 | 187,367 | ↓ 3% | 1,211,475 | 1,151,203 | ↑ 5% |
Loaded Exports (TEUs) | 124,814 | 133,137 | ↓ 6% | 925,781 | 936,415 | ↓ 1% |
Total Containers (TEUs) | 369,899 | 392,829 | ↓ 6% | 2,599,372 | 2,562,506 | ↑ 1% |
Steel Imports (Tons) | 331,271 | 520,309 | ↓ 36% | 2,206,056 | 2,704,658 | ↓ 18% |
Steel (Tons) | 357,625 | 563,490 | ↓ 37% | 2,340,515 | 2,842,850 | ↓ 18% |
General Cargo (Tons) | 104,048 | 73,290 | ↑ 42% | 796,982 | 590,555 | ↑ 35% |
Total Tonnage (Tons) | 4,574,477 | 5,187,192 | ↓ 12% | 32,809,648 | 32,647,865 | 0% |
