May 28, 2026
Port Houston container cargo decreased in April
Following a strong first quarter, Port Houston's container volume in April was 353,319 TEUs, a decrease of 9% compared to April 2025. Year-to-date container volumes through April are down just 1% compared to the same time last year, which was a record year.
April container volumes reflect a more measured month following a strong start to the year, as shippers continue to adjust inventory and sourcing strategies amid ongoing uncertainty related to transportation costs and global market conditions. The timing of import cargo movements could be impacted, even while consumer demand generally remains steady year-to-date.
At Port Houston, loaded imports declined 8% in April compared to the same month last year and loaded exports decreased 5%, while on a year-to-date basis, both loaded imports and loaded exports remain essentially flat. Port officials anticipate a quick bounce back, with mid-May container volumes indicating a return of imports, and the long-term outlook in Houston for containerized imports and exports remains strong.
Multipurpose facilities specifically, general cargo volumes remained strong, increasing 27% in April and 52% year-to-date, driven by machinery and bagged goods. Also, total dry bulk volumes reached 518,136 short tons in April, up 3% for the month and 44% year-to-date. Steel volumes declined 30% in April and are down 28% year-to-date, though forecasts indicate a good May for steel cargo. Total tonnage across Port Houston's eight public facilities reached 4,659,019 short tons in April, down 5% year-over-year. Year-to-date, total tonnage remains up 3%, totaling 18,556,499 short tons.
Source: Port Houston