Houston Ship Channel Cargo Volumes Rise as Exports, Steel Imports Surge

Trade activity across the Houston Ship Channel region continued to expand in August and September 2026, with strong growth in foreign cargo exports, vessel traffic, container throughput and steel imports, according to Port Houston's latest Monthly Trade & Market Report.

The Houston Ship Channel region handled 22.3 million short tons of foreign cargo in August, an 18% increase from 18.9 million tons in August 2025. Exports drove the growth, rising 24% to 17.8 million tons, while imports remained essentially unchanged at 4.55 million tons.

Through the first eight months of 2026, regional foreign cargo totaled 177.9 million tons, up 15% from 154.3 million tons during the corresponding period in 2025. Export tonnage increased 21% to 143.2 million tons, while imports declined 4% to 34.6 million tons.

The increase in cargo movement was reflected in vessel traffic. Deep-draft vessel transits totaled 1,596 in September, up 9% year over year, while barge transits increased 11% to 18,819.

Year-to-date deep-draft transits reached 14,062, an 8% increase, while barge movements totaled 168,346, up 7%.

At Port Houston's public terminals, September container throughput increased 11% to 376,419 TEUs, supported by a 16% increase in loaded imports to 174,189 TEUs. Loaded exports increased 2% to 132,009 TEUs.