Port Houston Sees Strong Container Volumes for June, Steel Rebounds

The Houston Ship Channel region showed resilient trade activity, while Port Houston's public terminals recorded strong June container volumes and a moderate rebound for steel cargo.

Key Takeaways

• Houston Ship Channel region total trade increased 17% through May, driven by a 23% increase in exports while import tonnage declined 4%.
• Crude oil and refined products together account for more than half of all tonnage moving through the Houston Ship Channel region, reinforcing the region's role as a leading U.S. energy gateway.
• Port Houston's public terminals handled more than 28 million tons through June, increasing 3% compared to the first half of last year and outperforming broader U.S. cargo market trends.
• General Cargo is up 34% at the public terminals with breakbulk driving much of that growth, increasing 35% through the first half of the year. Steel cargo has shown moderate growth in recent months, including a 46% increase in June, while year-to-date tonnage continues to trail last year by 14%.
• Port Houston handled 2,229,473 TEUs through H1, the biggest first-half container volume in Port Houston history.

Houston Ship Channel Region – May 2026

Source: U.S. Census Bureau data