Iquique Port Records 4% Cargo Growth in First Half of 2026

The Empresa Portuaria Iquique reported that the Iquique Port handled 1,738,135 tonnes of cargo in the first half of 2026, a 4% increase over the same period in 2025. Container traffic rose to 224,097 TEUs, up 7% year‑on‑year. Automotive cargo grew 58%, project cargo 41%, and bulk cargo 17%, while exports increased 31% and imports 3%. Cargo destined for markets other than Bolivia surged 115%, reflecting a diversification of the port’s client base, whereas Bolivian‑origin cargo fell 14% and containerized cargo slipped 3% due to challenges in the Bolivian market.

In parallel, the port processed two fish‑factory vessels, unloading more than 6,800 tonnes of species such as jibia, jurel, cabinza, caballa and bonito. The catch is being packed into about 250 refrigerated containers for shipment to Bremerhaven, Germany, and Abidjan, Ivory Coast. Port officials noted that the recent El Niño event has shifted fish stocks into international waters, suggesting further factory‑vessel arrivals are likely.