Port Houston posted a powerful rebound in March cargo volumes, serving to push first-quarter container visitors previous 1 million twenty-foot equal models (TEUs) whereas complete tonnage continued to climb on the power of bulk commodities and exports.
The port dealt with 391,037 TEUs in March, up 1% yr over yr, whereas first-quarter volumes reached 1,087,870 TEUs, a 2% improve from 2025, in line with Port Houston knowledge.
On the identical time, complete tonnage at public terminals rose 5% yr so far, reflecting continued progress throughout bulk and energy-related cargo segments.
Port Houston CEO Charlie Jenkins mentioned the port is regaining momentum after a softer 2025.
“Our public terminals plus the greater than 200 non-public terminal amenities making up the Port of Houston are off to a extremely good begin in 2026,” Jenkin’s instructed commissioners throughout a fee assembly on Tuesday
March cargo snapshot
- Complete tonnage: 5.76 million tons, up 11% month over month
- Complete TEUs: 391,037, up 20% vs. February
- Imports: 2.83 million tons, up 25% m/m
- Exports: 2.93 million tons, roughly flat m/m
Bulk commodities have been a standout performer in March, with knowledge exhibiting dry bulk up 107% and liquid bulk up 23% yr over yr, reflecting robust grain exports and industrial demand.
“Dry bulk tonnage continues to surge, now up almost 63% yr so far, pushed by export grains and import bulk cement,” Jenkins mentioned. “Liquid bulk additionally continues to drive progress, now up 26% yr so far.”
Chief Port Operations Officer Ryan Mariacher highlighted a pointy restoration in March container exercise following a weaker February.
“March was an incredible rebound for container volumes… we set a month-to-month report for loaded containers dealt with, almost 180,000,” Mariacher mentioned in the course of the fee assembly. “The expansion tempo continues at 5% in complete tonnage yr so far, dealing with almost 14 million tons.”
Regardless of general positive aspects, metal volumes proceed to pull on the port’s month-to-month cargo treffic.
Metal imports fell 29% yr over yr in March
- Metal imports fell 29% yr over yr in March
- 12 months-to-date metal tonnage is down 27%
The decline is tied to softer energy-sector demand and broader market circumstances, in line with port officers.
Mariacher cautioned that momentum might soften within the close to time period resulting from world provide chain disruptions.
“We’re seeing a pronounced decline in each imports and exports… pushed by conflicts within the Center East, with important delays within the Panama Canal,” Mariacher mentioned.
He added that Panama Canal transit slot premiums have jumped greater than 40% in latest days, including value strain and uncertainty for shippers.
Ship requires March have been up 10% year-over-year to 755 vessels. Barges calling Port Houston elevated 4% year-over-year to 313.
Port Houston March + Q1 Snapshot
Container volumes (TEUs)
- March 2026: 391,037 (+1% YoY; +20% m/m)
- Q1 2026: 1,087,870 (+2% YoY)
- Full imports (March): 180,415 (+7% YoY)
- Full exports (March): 143,819 (-6% YoY)
Tonnage (all cargo)
- March complete: 5.76M tons (+11% m/m; +8% YoY)
- Q1 complete: 13.9M tons (+5% YoY)
- Imports (March): 2.83M tons (+25% m/m)
- Exports (March): 2.93M tons (-1% m/m)
Metal vs. bulk traits
- Metal imports (March): 309,885 tons (-29% YoY)
- Metal YTD: -27% YoY
- Dry bulk (March): +107% YoY (grain, cement)
- Liquid bulk (March): +23% YoY
Operations snapshot
- Vessel calls (Q1): 2,089 (+5% YoY)
- Vessels dealt with YTD (public terminals): 523 (+9%)
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