October 21, 2026
The Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) reports September container volumes came in strong with full imports up 21.5% and full exports up 24.2% over August.
Total volumes (international and domestic) reached 2,174,231 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), down 10.6%, with full imports declining 12.2% and full exports decreasing 2.3%.
September 2026 total container volume reached 265,692 TEUs, down 8.1% compared to September 2025. Full imports were down 4.4% and full exports declined 9.6%. Volumes remain below 2025 levels when cargo was shipped ahead of anticipated tariffs.
Domestic container volumes decreased by 0.3% compared to YTD 2025. Alaska increased 0.6%, and Hawaii volumes decreased 5%.
Year to date September breakbulk volumes, 320,335 metric tons, increased 13.4% as strong industrial demand continues to buoy volumes. Year to date September auto volumes, 208,280 units, were down 2.9% from YTD 2025. Tariff impact on the industry is being offset by an increase of diverted auto units from Canada due to congestion.
The Northwest Seaport Alliance is a marine cargo operating partnership of the ports of Seattle and Tacoma.
Source: The Northwest Seaport Alliance