The Houston Ship Channel region demonstrated resilient trade activity through the first half of 2026, with total trade increasing 17% through May, driven by a 23% increase in exports while import tonnage declined 4%. Crude oil and refined products combined account for more than half of all tonnage moving through the region, reinforcing Houston’s standing as a leading US energy gateway. Port Houston’s public terminals handled more than 28 million tonnes through June, a 3% increase compared to the first half of last year and a performance that outpaced broader US cargo market trends. General cargo at the public terminals rose 34%, with breakbulk driving much of that growth at 35% year-to-date. Steel cargo has shown a moderate recovery in recent months, recording a 46% increase in June, though year-to-date tonnage continues to trail the prior year by 14%. Container volumes delivered a landmark result, with Port Houston handling 2,229,473 TEUs through the first half of 2026, the highest first-half container volume in the port’s history. CEO Charlie Jenkins described the Houston Ship Channel region as continuing to demonstrate its importance as one of the nation’s most significant trade gateways, characterising the region as resilient and well positioned for long-term growth and continued global competitiveness. The post Houston Ship Channel records trade growth appeared first on Container News .