Port Houston reports stronger container and steel volumes in September
Port Houston handled 376,419 TEU in September 2026, an increase of 11% compared with the same month last year, supported by stronger loaded imports and a sharp rise in steel cargo at its public terminals.
Loaded container imports increased by 16% to 174,189 TEU, while loaded exports rose by 2% to 132,009 TEU. Total container throughput for the first nine months of 2026 reached 3.35 million TEU, compared with 3.27 million TEU during the corresponding period of 2025, representing growth of 2%.
The latest figures also showed a substantial increase in steel activity, with Port Houston’s public terminals handling 581,035 tons in September, up 157% year on year. Steel imports rose by 181% to 539,993 tons, making September the port’s strongest month for steel cargo since May 2022.
Despite the sharp monthly increase, steel throughput for the first nine months remained relatively stable at 3.45 million tons, approximately 1% above the previous year’s level.
Regional exports and vessel traffic increase
Across the wider Houston Ship Channel region, foreign cargo volumes reached 22.3 million short tons in August, an increase of 18% from 18.9 million short tons a year earlier.
Exports accounted for much of the growth, rising by 24% to 17.8 million short tons, while imports remained broadly unchanged at 4.6 million short tons.
During the first eight months of 2026, total foreign cargo handled across the region increased by 15% to 177.9 million short tons. Export volumes rose by 21% over the same period, while imports declined by 4%.
Marine traffic also increased in September, with deep-draft vessel transits rising by 9% to 1,596. Barge transits reached 18,819, representing an 11% increase compared with September 2025.
Charlie Jenkins, CEO of Port Houston, said the region’s cargo movements supported a wide range of industries, including retail, manufacturing, construction and energy.
Import demand supports container activity
Port Houston’s September performance reflected stronger inbound container volumes, while export growth remained more moderate.
For the January–September period, loaded imports increased by 6% to 1.56 million TEU. Loaded exports, however, declined by 1% to 1.19 million TEU, highlighting the difference between monthly cargo growth and the broader nine-month trend.
Trade data through August also indicated increased containerised imports across several commodity groups. Apparel and accessories rose by 27%, resins and plastics by 11%, and machinery, appliances and electronics by 9%.
The figures underline the continuing importance of the Houston Ship Channel as a gateway for containerised trade and industrial cargo, although the growth rates differed significantly between cargo categories and reporting periods.
