Port Houston posts strong August growth as steel surges
The Houston Ship Channel region posted strong trade activity across several key sectors in August, with energy exports driving regional tonnage growth as Port Houston posted gains in steel and container imports.
Crude oil exports through the Houston Ship Channel are up 40 per cent this year, contributing to a 22 per cent increase in overall regional exports.
Houston accounts for 31 per cent of US waterborne exports of crude oil and refined products, and more than 21 per cent of total US waterborne exports by tonnage.
At Port Houston facilities, steel emerged as the standout performer in August, with total tonnage increasing 49 per cent year-on-year to 529,084 tonnes, driven primarily by imports, the best month for steel since August 2025.
Loaded container imports rose 5 per cent year-to-date, with machinery and electronics, retail consumer goods, furniture, automotive products and apparel among the categories posting gains, reflecting seasonal demand and front-loading ahead of the holiday season.
East Asia continued to lead import growth, up 12 per cent and accounting for 57 per cent of loaded container imports. General cargo also remained strong, increasing 22 per cent year-on-year to 913,863 tonnes, led by a 27 per cent rise in imports.
Total deep draft vessel transits rose 9 per cent year-on-year in August, while barge transits increased 10 per cent.
Charlie Jenkins, CEO of Port Houston, said: “Houston’s strength as a global trade gateway comes from the diversity of the cargo and customers we serve. Just this month, we welcomed the first vessel in Crowley’s new weekly container service connecting Houston with Central America and creating additional options for shippers and strengthening our connections to key international markets.”
Loaded container activity increased 2 per cent year-to-date to 2.44 million TEUs, driven by the rise in loaded imports, while total tonnage across the region reached 155.56 million short tonnes year-to-date, up 15 per cent on the same period in 2025.
