Port Milwaukee sees positive cargo growth with 6% dry bulk increase
(Posted on 16/02/26)
Port Milwaukee has reported a successful 2025 shipping season with overall cargo volumes rising across nearly every major category and new maritime partners calling on the Port for the first time.
Total municipal port tonnage increased by 3%, while total all-cargo tonnage rose 4% compared to the previous year, reflecting continued strength in regional trade activity and the Port’s expanding role in international and domestic supply chains.
Dry bulk, Port Milwaukee’s largest commodity category, experienced a 6% increase year over year. Though salt tonnage was down, increases in limestone, agricultural products, and other dry bulk materials made up the deficit and positively drove the category’s overall growth. Dry bulk cargo is a significant employer for truck drivers, packagers, and heavy equipment operators in the area.
Steel volume saw a 2% increase, mostly attributed to customers inventorying earlier in the international shipping season in an effort to get ahead of anticipated tariff increases.
Seaway tonnage increased by 78%, which was driven largely by movements of steel and agricultural products. The majority of this activity involved trade with European markets, with additional shipments moving between Port Milwaukee and the Middle East and Northern Africa.
The Port also welcomed one new carrier and 10 first-time vessel visits in 2025. The additional traffic demonstrates growing awareness of Port Milwaukee as a reliable shipping option for new maritime partners.
“Port Milwaukee demonstrated resilience and adaptability in a changing global trade environment in 2025,” Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson said. “The Port’s growth in international vessel traffic and an increase in key commodities proves the Port’s value to suppliers and manufacturers who depend on efficiency, reliability, and access to global markets.”
“Port Milwaukee's successful year is due to strong partnerships with terminal operators, carriers, and customers who continue to see the Port as a strategic hub for both Great Lakes and international trade,” Port Director Benji Timm said. “As we head into 2026, Port Milwaukee will continue to work closely with our partners to have a positive impact across the city, state, and region.”
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