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Texas Ports Post Record Volumes Despite Trade Headwinds

Port Houston and Port of Corpus Christi are reporting historic cargo performance in 2026, signaling shipper confidence amid global trade uncertainty. Port Houston moved 389,962 twenty-foot equivalent units in June, an 18% increase year-over-year. First-half container volumes reached 2.23 million TEUs—the highest six-month total on record. Loaded import containers surged 27% to 177,097 TEUs during the month. Steel imports jumped 40% to 406,452 tons in June. However, year-to-date steel cargo trails 2025 levels by 14%. General cargo rose 55% in June and 34% through mid-year. Port Houston's public terminals handled 4.68 million tons in June, up 4% annually. The Houston Ship Channel region also benefited from robust exports, climbing 23% through May. Corpus Christi posted record-breaking volumes in the second quarter and first half. Growth was driven by strong petroleum, crude oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.