Canadian grain exports show significant growth, as Port of Vancouver moves record 88 million t of cargo in support of Canada’s goal to double exports to non-U.S. markets.
Overall cargo volumes for the Port of Vancouver hit a record 88.1 million t for the first 6 months of 2026, up 3% compared to the same period for 2025. This growth was largely due to the port delivering record volumes of Prairie grain and Alberta crude oil to Indo-Pacific markets, while exports of other key commodities like fertilizer and coal, as well as two-way container trade, remained largely steady. Vehicle imports and cruise operations at the port are also robust, with both setting new half-year records.
"I want to recognise the entire port community and our supply chain partners for their outsized contribution helping Canada double exports to non-U.S. markets in the next 10 years," said Peter Xotta, President and CEO of the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority. "We’re proud to move what Canadians make, mine, harvest, and grow to customers around the world. More than $1 billion in goods moves through the port each and every day, and with game changing projects on the horizon."
The Port of Vancouver is Canada’s largest and most diversified port, with its 29 major terminals and more than 1000 tenants moving more cargo volume every year than Canada’s next five largest ports combined. More than 80% of exports moving through the port are destined for markets outside the U.S., with China, South Korea and Japan being the top destinations.
Record grain and energy exports top volume growth, with exports of bulk commodities fuelling the Port of Vancouver’s strong half-year cargo volumes, as grain grown across Western Canada hit new records.
Bulk grain exports soared 14% to a new record of 17.4 million t, led by strong growth in exports of canola seed, specialty crops, and barley as the port helped deliver a bumper Prairies crop to world markets. Canola seed exports to China, Europe, Mexico and Pakistan all grew sharply, while the volume of specialty crops like lentils and peas moving to customers in China and Bangladesh doubled, and in India almost tripled. Bulk wheat exports eased 4%, as lower global prices impacted volumes and farmers rotated their crop to canola. Containerised grain exports were up over one-fifth, with 2 million t of premium Canadian grain delivered to almost 40 world markets.
Background
Overall cargo volumes increased 3% to 88.1 million t, compared to the first half of 2025, including international trade up 4% to 76.6 million t.
Domestic cargo volumes (mostly local movements of logs, sand and gravel) decreased 3% to 11.4 million t.
Bulk liquid tonnage was up 5% to 17.2 million t, with crude oil exports up 3% to 12 million t and canola oil exports falling 19% to 500 000 t.
Bulk dry cargo increased 2% to 50.1 million t, including grain up 14% to 17.4 million t.
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