ports

Canadian ports capture growing share of North American west coast container traffic

Canadian gateways are gaining market share against U.S. competitors on the west coast. Prince Rupert and Vancouver recorded notable volume increases in the first quarter, bucking a broader regional decline. Overall North American west coast laden import volumes fell 3.9% year-on-year in Q1, with the contraction concentrated entirely at U.S. ports. The Northwest Seaport Alliance reported an 18% drop, while Oakland declined 6%. Vancouver posted a 9% increase in laden imports, reaching more than 491,000 teu. Sea-Intelligence characterized the shift as reflecting deliberate rerouting decisions by shippers and carriers seeking alternatives to U.S. facilities, with trade tensions and concerns over west coast congestion and labor disruption cited as primary factors driving the northward migration.