The Port of Montreal handled 17.7 million tonnes of cargo during the first half of 2026. Total volumes increased 2% compared with the same period last year. The port achieved the growth despite ongoing geopolitical and trade disruptions. The Port of Montreal said continued instability in the Red Sea, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the war in Ukraine, and US tariffs continue to affect global supply chains. Liquid bulk records strongest growth Liquid bulk delivered the strongest performance. Volumes reached 6.74 million tonnes, up 4% year on year. The increase came from higher crude oil shipments and a 13% rise in ethanol volumes. The port linked the ethanol growth to rising demand for lower-carbon fuels. Grain supports bulk growth Solid bulk volumes reached 4.6 million tonnes, an increase of 3%. Grain volumes grew 1.7%. The port credited strong harvests in Western Canada and improved rail operations with Bunge, CN and CPKC. Rail traffic increased 24% during the period. Sugar volumes rose 26%, while road salt increased 89% following a harsh winter. Container traffic remains stable The port handled 790,000 TEUs and 6.4 million tonnes of containerized cargo. Major commodities included soybeans, grain, manufactured goods, iron, steel and forest products. The Port of Montreal said trade with Africa and Latin America continues to grow as Canada diversifies its trading partners. Northern Europe remains the port’s largest international market. The launch of CMA CGM’s CAGEMA service has also strengthened direct connections between Montreal and Latin America. Project cargo also grows Non-containerized cargo volumes increased 6%. The port handled several large project shipments during the first half of the year. These included a tunnel boring machine for Montreal’s Blue Line metro extension, battery energy storage units and wind turbine blades. Positive outlook The Port of Montreal expects liquid bulk and solid bulk volumes to continue growing during the