September 18, 2025
Ports of Seattle and Tacoma August container volume down 18.7% compared to last year
The Northwest Seaport Alliance's August 2025 total container volume (international and domestic) reached 256,735 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), up 2.9% over July 2025 and down 18.7% compared to August 2024. Tariffs are expected to continue to weigh on container volumes in the near term. Negative year-over-year comparisons also reflect strong volumes from Canada due to labor disruptions in August 2024.
Full international imports decreased 24.8% versus last August, while full exports declined 18.1%. YTD volumes are up 0.2%, with full imports declining 3% and full exports declining 3.2%.
Domestic container volumes increased 2.1% compared to YTD 2024. Alaska volumes increased 1%, and Hawaii volumes increased 8.2%.
Total breakbulk volume decreased 21.6% for 233,960 metric tons YTD. High interest rates and tariffs continue to impact this segment. Auto volumes were 190,724 units, down 19.8% YTD due to the slowing of auto sales nationwide due to high interest rates.
The Northwest Seaport Alliance is a marine cargo operating partnership of the ports of Seattle and Tacoma.
Source: The Northwest Seaport Alliance