Non-U.S. Trade Helps Launch Port of Vancouver to Record Cargo Volumes

Non-U.S. Trade Helps Launch Port of Vancouver to Record Cargo Volumes

VANCOUVER, B.C. — Canada's push to expand trade beyond the United States is already showing up at the Port of Vancouver, where cargo volumes reached a record high in 2025 as shipments to international markets continued to grow.

The Port of Vancouver handled 170.4 million metric tonnes of cargo in 2025, an increase of about 8 per cent from the previous record set in 2024, according to Transport Canada. Growth was particularly strong in bulk exports and containerized freight.

Much of the activity was driven by overseas trade. International cargo moving through the port increased 11 per cent in 2025 to 147.4 million tonnes, with more than three-quarters of international volumes connected to Indo-Pacific markets. China, Japan and South Korea were among the port's largest international trading partners.

The increase comes as Ottawa pushes a broader effort to reduce Canada's reliance on the U.S. market. The federal government has set a goal of doubling Canada's exports to non-U.S. markets by 2035, putting greater attention on West Coast ports as gateways to Asia and other international destinations.

Several major commodities contributed to Vancouver's record year.

Grain exports reached 30.3 million tonnes, while crude-oil exports climbed to a record 24.4 million tonnes. Potash exports also reached a record 10.5 million tonnes as Canadian producers supplied customers in markets including Brazil, China and Indonesia.

The expansion of the Trans Mountain pipeline also played a role in the growth of oil exports. The additional pipeline capacity allowed more Canadian crude to reach the West Coast, opening greater access to overseas buyers, particularly in Asia.

Container and automotive trade also posted record years, while overall bulk cargo increased 11 per cent to 130.7 million tonnes.

The growth has increased pressure on Canada's transportation infrastructure. Transport Canada says the Port of Vancouver's record volumes demonstrate the importance of Western Canadian rail, road and marine connections as the country attempts to expand its international customer base.

The port is now looking to expand its capacity further. The federal government says projects such as Roberts Bank Terminal 2 could significantly increase container capacity and help accommodate additional trade. The port is also pursuing opportunities to develop the Fraser Wharves terminal site in Richmond.

Port officials say Vancouver is well positioned to benefit from Canada's trade-diversification strategy because of its access to major rail networks, year-round operations and proximity to Asian markets. The port currently connects Canadian businesses with as many as 170 international markets.

But the rapid growth is also highlighting challenges facing Canada's transportation system. A recent Transport Canada assessment identified infrastructure constraints, productivity concerns and technology gaps as issues that could limit the country's ability to expand international trade.

For Vancouver and the broader B.C. economy, the record cargo numbers underline the growing importance of international trade. As Canada looks toward markets beyond the United States, the country's largest port is expected to play an increasingly important role in moving Canadian resources and manufactured goods to customers around the world.

With major infrastructure projects still in development, the coming years could bring another significant expansion of cargo-handling capacity at the Port of Vancouver — and further changes in where Canadian exports are headed.