NWSA Full Exports up 2.2% YTD Despite Overall Volume Decline

Key Takeaways

• TEU volumes down 16.6% YTD, exports up 2.2%.
• Full imports fell 22.6% YTD, full exports rose 4.9% Feb.
• Terminal 5 gate expansion doubles truck queue capacity.
• 1,500+ reefer plugs enable agricultural export growth.
• Breakbulk tonnage up 23.8% YTD February.

Summary

The Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) posted February 2026 container volumes of 207,725 TEUs, a 19.4% year‑over‑year decline driven by last year’s cargo front‑loading ahead of tariffs. Full imports fell 29.5% while full exports rose 4.9%, and year‑to‑date volumes remain 16.6% lower despite a 2.2% increase in export shipments. Recent upgrades at Terminal 5, including a modernized gate complex and over 1,500 refrigerated plugs, are aimed at boosting throughput and supporting temperature‑sensitive agricultural exports. Breakbulk tonnage jumped 23.8% YTD, offsetting declines in auto volumes.

Pulse Analysis

The Northwest Seaport Alliance’s February 2026 performance underscores a shifting cargo landscape. While total TEU movements slipped 19.4% year‑over‑year, the decline reflects strategic front‑loading from the previous year as shippers anticipated tariff changes, rather than a structural weakness in the port’s market share. Full imports contracted sharply, yet full exports demonstrated resilience, climbing 4.9% in February and 2.2% on a year‑to‑date basis. This divergence highlights a growing emphasis on outbound trade, particularly for commodities that benefit from the region’s proximity to agricultural production zones.

A cornerstone of NWSA’s export upside is the recent modernization of Terminal 5. The expanded gate complex now accommodates twice as many trucks in queue, reducing dwell times and improving lane efficiency. More critical for high‑value, perishable goods, the addition of over 1,500 refrigerated container plugs strengthens the cold‑chain capacity essential for apples, cherries, potatoes, and seafood. By securing reliable temperature control, the alliance attracts exporters seeking dependable logistics, thereby reinforcing the Pacific Northwest’s reputation as a premier gateway for agrifood shipments.

Beyond containers, NWSA reported a 23.8% rise in breakbulk tonnage, suggesting diversification in cargo types as shippers adapt to supply‑chain constraints. Conversely, auto volumes fell 11.1%, reflecting broader industry slowdowns. The mixed cargo profile, combined with targeted infrastructure upgrades, positions NWSA to capture incremental export market share while mitigating the impact of import volatility. Stakeholders should monitor how these trends influence freight rates, capacity planning, and regional economic development over the remainder of 2026.