Port Houston handled 1,087,870 TEU of containers in first quarter 2026

Port Houston reports that it handled more than one million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) of containers in the first quarter of 2026, reaching 1,087,870 TEU, up 2% over 2025’s record-breaking year. Total tonnage across Port Houston’s public facilities was up 5% in the first quarter, totaling 13,897,479 short tons.

Port Houston handled 391,037 TEU in March, up 1% compared to the same month last year. Loaded imports increased 7% for the month and 4% year-to-date, driven in part by strong demand for refrigerated cargo and retail consumer goods such as furniture. Loaded exports declined 6% compared to March 2025 but were still up 1% year-to-date, with resin volumes expected to strengthen in the second quarter, supporting loaded export growth.

Port Houston says that it continues investment in terminal enhancements to remain a reliable gateway for customers. The final six units of 16 total rubber-tired gantry cranes (RTGs) ordered in 2025 were delivered in March, bringing the total fleet to 163 RTGs across both container terminals. Approximately half of the port’s RTG fleet now operates with hybrid-electric technology, reducing air emissions by about 90% and carbon dioxide emissions by 30% compared to traditional diesel-powered equipment.

At Port Houston’s multipurpose facilities bulk cargo was strong, with dry bulk up 107% and liquid bulk up 23% in March compared to March 2025, reflecting higher volumes of grain and industrial commodities moving through the region. Steel import volumes declined 29% for both the month and year-to-date, a result of broader market conditions, including softer demand from the energy sector as drilling activity moderates, consistent with recent U.S. rig count trends.

“The Houston Ship Channel remains an essential artery for our nation,” said Charlie Jenkins, CEO of Port Houston. “There were 2,089 vessel calls to the private and public facilities along the channel in the first quarter of this year, which is 5% more than last year. Bulk carrier calls were up, as were LPG and chemical tankers, demonstrating continued demand across energy and industrial cargo segments,” said Jenkins. “There’s no doubt that the recent completion of dredging of the port-led segments of the Houston Ship Channel Expansion, known as Project 11, is improving vessel efficiency and transit flexibility for all users of the Channel including tankers, bulk, breakbulk, and container carriers. “