Key facts
- The Port of Vancouver recorded record cargo volumes in the first half of 2026.
- Bulk grain exports increased 14% to a record 17.4 million tonnes.
- Crude oil exports rose 3% to a record 12 million tonnes.
- A significant portion of these shipments were destined for East Asia and other non-U.S. markets.
- The port authority aims to double Canada's exports to non-U.S. markets within a decade.
The Port of Vancouver experienced record cargo volumes in the first half of 2026, driven by a substantial increase in both grain and oil exports. Freight volumes rose three percent year-over-year for the six months ending June 30, according to the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority. Bulk grain exports saw a significant jump of 14 percent, reaching a record 17.4 million tonnes, attributed to strong crop outcomes in recent years. Crude oil exports also hit a new high, increasing three percent to 12 million tonnes, largely fueled by the Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion and a strategic pivot away from U.S. markets towards destinations in China and South Korea. Auto volumes also contributed to the record, rising 10 percent as manufacturers sought alternatives to the U.S. market. Port authority CEO Peter Xotta highlighted a focused effort to increase shipments to countries beyond North America, aiming to double Canada's exports to non-U.S. markets within a decade.