June 19, 2026
Northwest Seaport Alliance's total imports increased in May
The Northwest Seaport Alliance reports that full imports and exports increased 6.8% and 3.3%, respectively in May.
Import growth was fueled by an early peak season as BCOs shipped ahead of proposed Section 301 tariffs in addition to muted volumes in May 2025 following liberation day.
Full exports in May performed better than the five-year average, increasing 1.6% for the month and 3.2% YTD.
May 2026 total container volume (international and domestic) reached 238,021 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), down 5.1% compared to May 2025. YTD volumes, 1,170,979 TEUs, are down 14%, with full imports declining 16.5% and full exports decreasing 0.9%.
YTD May breakbulk volumes, 163,533 metric tons, increased 18.4% due to strong industrial demand. YTD May auto volumes, 106,994 units, were down 13.3% from YTD May 2025 as tariffs continue to impact the industry.
The Northwest Seaport Alliance is a marine cargo operating partnership of the ports of Seattle and Tacoma.
Source: The Northwest Seaport Alliance