The Port of Vancouver in the Canadian province of British Columbia has announced its annual statistics, showing that 158 million metric tons (MT) of cargo, which included seafood products, moved through the port in 2024, a 5 percent increase year over year and a record for the port.
“The Port of Vancouver continues to drive Canadian prosperity – enabling seamless trade with up to 170 nations across the globe and supporting countless well-paying family jobs across the nation,” President and CEO of the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority Peter Xotta said.
The news of the port’s strong 2024 performance comes amid an escalating trade war between the U.S. and Canada. Xotta emphasized, in a release by the Port Authority, that the Port of Vancouver was ready to meet the challenges of the moment.
“The Port of Vancouver stands ready to support efforts to diversify Canada's international trade and build a strong, resilient national economy. We will continue partnering with governments and industry to plan and deliver the long-term capacity needed to support trade through the gateway – in support of all Canadians,” he said.
According to the release, the Port of Vancouver moved nearly as much cargo as Canada’s five next largest ports combined last year. Approximately 80 percent of that movement comprised international trade between Canada and countries other than the U.S.
The release noted an especially strong performance in the bulk sector, with volumes up 8 percent year over year to 117.9 million MT in the category. This amount included record liquid bulk exports, up 203 percent to 17.1 million MT.
Two of the items that heavily attributed to the increase were petroleum and grains.
The port also saw a record movement of vehicles into its auto terminals.
