YTD August full exports via the NWSA are up 2.1% above the five-year average. YTD volumes remain below 2025 levels when cargo was shipped ahead of anticipated tariffs. Total volumes (international and domestic) reached 1,908,539 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), down 10.9%, with full imports declining 13.2% and full exports decreasing 1.2%. August 2026 total container volume reached 235,795 TEUs, down 8.2% compared to August 2025. Full exports were down 2.1% and full imports declined 10.3%.
Domestic container volumes decreased by 0.6% compared to YTD 2025. Alaska increased 0.1%, and Hawaii volumes decreased 4.1%.
- YTD August breakbulk volumes, 284,696 metric tons, increased 10.7% as strong industrial demand continues to buoy volumes.
- YTD August auto volumes, 183,968 units, were down 3.6% from YTD 2025 as tariffs continue to impact the industry.
Terminal 5 celebrated a major milestone in August with completion of a project that expanded refrigerated capacity at the terminal to over 1,500 reefer plugs. The increase supports the PNW’s high-value agricultural and seafood export markets. Washington’s agricultural exporters ship apples, cherries, potatoes, seafood, and other refrigerated products to customers around the world. The reefer plug expansion provides the operational flexibility needed to accommodate increased volumes during peak agricultural seasons, keeping cargo moving efficiently, while maintaining the cold chain essential for product quality and market value.
View the August cargo reports:
