Mid-year bulk records for Vancouver

(Posted on 27/09/20)

The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority has released the 2020 mid-year statistics for goods moving through the Port of Vancouver. From January 1 to June 30, 2020, overall cargo through the port decreased by 1.1% from 72.4 to 71.7 million metric tonnes (MMT) over the same time last year. Despite an overall decrease in cargo moving through the port, new mid-year records were set for bulk and containerized grain, as well as total foreign tonnage and foreign exports.

“We are experiencing unprecedented times in Canada and across the globe as we grapple with a pandemic that is causing economic impacts, making short term predictions difficult,” said Robin Silvester, president and chief executive officer at the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority. “Despite these challenges, mid-year cargo volumes through the Port of Vancouver remained stable and Canada’s trade has continued to flow, connecting Canadians and Canadian businesses to essential goods and international markets. This resiliency is a testament to the importance of diverse trading partners, foreign markets, and a range of cargo moving through the port.”

Strong global demand for Canadian grain resulted in a new mid-year record of 16.3 MMT for both bulk and containerized grain, an increase of 10.4% or 1.5 MMT compared to mid-year grain records from the previous year. Total foreign tonnage and foreign exports resulted in mid-year records of 57.7 and 49.7 MMT, up 1.2% and 2.1% respectively, due to strong increases in grain, petroleum, chemicals and canola oil volumes.

Increases in wheat, up 7.5%, canola, up 25.6%, and specialty crops, up 10.0%, contributed to this new record. In fertilizers, potash exports decreased by 6.7% from last year’s record and sulphur increased by 5.7%.

Between January 1 and June 30, 2020, several sectors experienced declines as a result of weather conditions, trade challenges, cancelled sailings, railroad blockades and the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Along with industry and government partners across the Lower Mainland, the port authority is leading the development of more than $1 billion worth of infrastructure projects that will further strengthen its competitiveness as a West Coast trade hub and support a more fluid supply chain to and from the Port of Vancouver.

Latest News

Teesport automated weighbridges boost bulk cargo efficiency

PD Ports has successfully introduced fully automated weighbridge systems at Teesport and Hartlepool,... Read more

Mixed picture for Antwerp-Bruges in volatile trade climate

In the first nine months of 2025, Port of Antwerp-Bruges handled 202.6 million tonnes of maritime goods... Read more

NPRC presents strategic course at 90th anniversary assembly

The 90th General Assembly of the inland shipping cooperative NPRC has highlighted the importance of... Read more

Bilbao leads in transparency among Spanish ports

The Bilbao Port Authority has obtained the highest score in the second evaluation of the Mandatory Information... Read more

Embassy reception highlights Hamburg – Czech Republic partnership

The economic and logistical ties between the Czech Republic and Hamburg were brought to the attention... Read more

Italian ports expand capabilities with Liebherr

Liebherr has dispatched four additional mobile harbour cranes to Italy, reaffirming its role in the... Read more

Euroports celebrates 25-year Terminal Rinfuse Venezia concession

Euroports, Europe’s largest port infrastructure operator, has celebrated its new strategic 25-... Read more

PhilaPort acquires 152-acre Mustin Yard

PhilaPort has announced that it has acquired the Mustin Yard Property from Norfolk Southern Corporation... Read more

Top marks for Newcastle, NSW in global sustainability rating

Port of Newcastle, the largest on Australia’s east coast, has reaffirmed its position as a global... Read more

Jeroen Eijsink takes over as CEO of HHLA

Jeroen Eijsink took over as Chief Executive Officer of Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) on 1 October... Read more