NWSA Q1 full exports were up 1.8%, following two months of growth. Full imports declined 18% over a strong Q1 2025 when importers frontloaded cargo ahead of expected tariffs. YTD total container volume (international and domestic)—714,719 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs)—were down 14.2%.

March 2026 total container volume reached 278,829 TEUs, down 10.1% compared to March 2025. Full imports decreased 9.1%, and full exports increased 1.2%.

Sen. Patty Murray joined us at a press event at Terminal 30 to highlight millions in new federal funding for port infrastructure projects supporting cleaner energy and the long-term economic growth for Seattle’s working waterfront. With help from Sen. Murray, The Northwest Seaport Alliance will receive federal funding for projects that will position our gateway to increase cargo volume and reduce emissions from port operations.

This includes $8 million in congressionally directed spending to expand shore power at Terminal 18 so ships can plug in and use clean electricity while at berth. In addition, $2.3 million in federal funding was secured for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to complete the design of the West Waterway deepening project, which will enable Terminal 5 to more efficiently serve the largest container ships calling North America.

Domestic container volumes increased by 0.2% compared to YTD 2025. Alaska increased 0.3%, and Hawaii volumes decreased 0.4%.

Other cargo stats:

• YTD March breakbulk volumes, 96,088 metric tons, increased 25% due to strong industrial demand.
• YTD March auto volumes, 64,121 units, were down 16.8% from YTD March 2025 as tariffs continue to impact the industry.

View the March cargo reports:

• Container Statistics – March 2026
• Cargo Volumes – March 2026