ports

Port Houston Container Traffic Dips 6% in July as Import Momentum Slows

Port Houston moved 369,899 TEUs in July, down 6% from 392,829 TEUs in the same month last year, as container growth moderated following robust early-2026 frontloading activity. Year-to-date volumes through July reached 2.6 million TEUs, up 1% versus 2.56 million TEUs in 2025. Loaded imports fell 3% to 181,808 TEUs, while loaded exports declined 6% to 124,814 TEUs. East Asia remained the primary growth driver, with loaded imports up 10% year-to-date and accounting for 57% of total import volume. Apparel, resins, plastics, machinery and electronics fueled the gains. General cargo surged 42% to 104,048 tons in July, reaching 796,982 tons year-to-date, up 35%. Steel tonnage fell 37% in July. Port Houston recorded 710 vessel calls in July, up 4% annually.