Port Houston Records Tonnage Surge in October

Port Houston’s public terminals recorded volumes in excess of 4.6 million short tons in October, up 12 percent month-over-month and 6 percent for the year. The port’s container volumes are also up 6 percent through October, compared to the same period in 2024.

“Volumes through Port Houston’s container terminals were remarkable in October,” said Charlie Jenkins, Port Houston CEO. “Our team handled 365,773 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), an 18 percent increase from the same month last year. Container volumes for the year are up 6 percent, and that puts us firmly on track for our strongest container performance in history.”

Loaded exports were up 42 percent for the month and 10 percent year-to-date compared to 2024, driven in part by Houston’s petrochemical and manufacturing industries. Loaded imports grew by 8 percent in October and are up 3 percent for the year. Steel imports grew 16 percent in October, and general cargo inched up 1 percent year-to-date.

“Nearly all commodities handled at Port Houston’s terminals saw gains this month, and we are in a great position as we near the end of the year, which is a remarkable accomplishment given the uncertainty in our industry throughout much of the year,” Jenkins said.

Those cargo trends come amid ongoing infrastructure improvements at the port. An additional wharf at the Bayport Container Terminal is expected to come online by the end of the year. In October, Port Houston and the Galveston Engineer District announced the completion of the port’s portion of dredging for Project 11, the current expansion project for the Houston Ship Channel. With Project 11, the Galveston Bay reach of the channel has grown from 530 feet to 700 feet, improving two-way vessel traffic. The expansion allows vessels up to 15,000 to 17,000 TEUs to call on the Bayport Container Terminal. In addition, the Barbours Cut Container Terminal is scheduled for completion in 2027.

Work continues on the Corps-directed portion of Project 11, which is expected to be completed by 2029.