NWSA Container Volumes Slide 12.4% Through Mid-2026 as Import Weakness Offsets Export Gains

## NWSA Container Volumes Slide 12.4% Through Mid-2026 The Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) — the joint operating partnership between the ports of Seattle and Tacoma — recorded year-to-date container volumes of 1.43 million TEUs through June 2026, representing a 12.4 per cent decline compared to the same period in the prior year, according to Port Technology. The figures highlight a challenging first half of the year for one of North America's major Pacific gateway alliances, with the downturn driven primarily by a steep 13.9 per cent fall in full import volumes. The drop in inbound containerised cargo reflects broader headwinds facing US West Coast ports, including shifting trade patterns, ongoing tariff uncertainty, and evolving supply chain strategies among major importers. Despite the overall decline, the NWSA reported a measure of resilience on the export side, with full export volumes rising 1.8 per cent against the five-year average — a modest but notable bright spot that suggests continued demand for US goods moving through Pacific Northwest gateways. June 2026 total container volumes also reflected the wider trend, contributing to what has been a difficult trading environment for the alliance year-to-date. ### Context and Implications The NWSA's performance mirrors pressures felt across the US containerised trade landscape, where front-loading activity earlier in 2025 — driven by tariff anticipation — has given way to a demand hangover in 2026. Importers who accelerated shipments ahead of potential trade policy changes have since moderated their ordering, weighing on inbound volumes at major gateway ports. The Pacific Northwest corridor serves as a critical entry point for trans-Pacific trade, particularly for cargo destined for inland US markets. A sustained decline in import throughput at the NWSA carries implications not only for port revenues but also for intermodal rail operators, warehousing and logistics providers, and the broader regional supply chain ecosystem. The export uptick, while relatively small, may reflect growing agricultural and industrial shipment activity through the region — sectors that have historically underpinned outbound container flows from the Pacific Northwest. Industry observers will be watching second-half 2026 figures closely to determine whether import volumes stabilise as inventory cycles normalise and trade policy clarity improves. *Source: Port Technology*