Global port cargo volumes rise in first half 2026 amid mixed trends

Port activity in the first half of 2026 showed divergent patterns across key terminals. Brazil’s Suape complex recorded a 25.6% increase to 13.7 million tonnes, driven largely by liquid bulk (66.6% of volume) and a surge in petroleum movements. Spain’s Port of Tarragona grew 6.5% to 15.1 million tonnes, with liquid bulk up 7.9% and chemical cargo up 18.6%. The Huelva port logged a slight overall dip of 0.4% but its liquid bulk rose 2.15% to 10.8 million tonnes. Vigo’s cargo fell 3.3% to 2.66 million tonnes, yet its container handling remained strong with 155,655 TEUs, keeping it a leading Spanish hub for high‑value goods. The Panama Canal reported a 7.2% tonnage increase to 389.96 million tonnes and a 17% rise in transit revenues. Ecuador’s trans‑Andean pipeline (SOTE) lifted oil transport by 11.7% to about 54.7 million barrels. In the broader market, the Drewry World Container Index slipped 4% to US$4,374 per 40‑ft container as carriers added blank sailings on Asia–Europe and Transpacific routes, reflecting excess capacity and softened demand. Meanwhile, Brazil’s Portonave (Terminal de Navegantes) announced a R$2 billion investment to expand capacity to 2 million containers annually, aligning with anticipated growth in regional trade.