Port Houston Releases Houston Ship Channel Region Monthly Trade & Market Report
Latest insights on cargo activity, vessel traffic, and regional trade performance.
Report Released June 25, 2026
Activity along the Houston Ship Channel continues to strengthen America’s energy competitiveness and Port Houston’s public terminals record best monthly container volumes since last summer.
“The Houston Ship Channel region is where American energy production meets global demand,” said Charlie Jenkins, CEO of Port Houston. “As our trading partners around the world continue to rely on U.S. energy exports, the Houston Ship Channel is delivering the capacity, reliability, and scale needed to keep those supply chains moving. The strong growth we are seeing in exports reflects years of investment across the region, including the Houston Ship Channel Expansion, known as Project 11, and the strength of an integrated energy supply chain that connects American producers to global markets.”
Key Takeaways
- Strong demand for U.S. energy products drove export growth through the Houston Ship Channel region, with crude oil export tonnage increasing 35% and refined product export tonnage increasing 29% through April.
- In May, Port Houston’s container terminals recorded their largest monthly volumes since July 2025. Loaded imports also reached their highest monthly volume since July 2025, signaling continued cargo demand.
- Steel import volumes reached their highest monthly level since August 2025, potentially signaling improving activity despite remaining below prior-year levels.
