The Port of Vancouver logged record-breaking cargo tonnage in 2018 at 8.1 million metric tons, an 8.3 percent increase over the 7.5 million in 2017.
This marked the fifth consecutive year the port tonnage had set a record.
“By continuing to invest in critical infrastructure and diversifying our portfolio of cargoes and customers, we were able to deliver another record year during a time of significant uncertainty in global trade,” port CEO Julianna Marler said in a statement. “It’s a testament to the hard work of our staff, customers and labor partners, whose daily efforts keep cargoes moving and lend vitality and stability to our local and regional economies.”
Total imports increased by 6.2 percent, climbing from 1.24 million metric tons in 2017 to a record-breaking 1.32 million metric tons in 2018. Steel commodities continue to be the largest imports at the port by volume, and in 2018 the port moved 830,912 metric tons – an increase of 16.6 percent. Subaru also had another record-breaking year by importing 91,544 vehicles – 4.1 percent more than the previous year.
Overall exports increased by 8.7 percent in 2018, with strong gains in several commodities. Corn exports climbed 61.3 percent and copper concentrate increased by 40.7 percent, thanks to continued strong demand in Asia.
