Canada's West Coast ports drive international trade diversification

British Columbia’s west coast ports are playing a central role in Canada’s strategy to diversify trade away from the United States and toward Indo-Pacific markets. According to a new economic impact study, the ports of Vancouver, Prince Rupert, and Nanaimo handled a record 200 million metric tonnes of cargo in 2025, valued at $409 billion.

These maritime gateways facilitate nearly half of Canada’s trade with partners outside of North America, moving approximately $270 billion in goods. The ports support over 150,000 Canadian jobs and manage a diverse range of cargo, including energy products, grain, potash, forestry products, and critical minerals, as well as imports such as vehicles and consumer goods.

The Port of Vancouver operates 29 deep-water terminals and is preparing for the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 project to increase container capacity. The Port of Prince Rupert is currently undertaking $3 billion in expansion projects to strengthen its role as a northern Pacific gateway. The Port of Nanaimo serves as an emerging gateway connecting Vancouver Island to global markets.