During the first six months of 2026, the Port of Montreal handled 17.7 million tonnes of cargo, an increase of 2% compared with the same period in 2025. This positive performance was achieved despite a global geopolitical environment affected by several challenges.
International trade remains subject to several sources of uncertainty:
- Disruptions to navigation in the Red Sea continue to restrict traffic through the Suez Canal, affecting supply chains between Asia and the east coast of North America.
- The closure of the Strait of Hormuz is putting pressure on supply chains and on global fuel and fertilizer prices.
- The ongoing impacts of the war between Russia and Ukraine and U.S. tariffs also continue to be felt.
Liquid bulk leads the way
At 6.74 million tonnes, liquid bulk recorded the strongest growth in the first half of the year, rising 4% compared with 2025.
In addition to growing crude oil volumes, ethanol volumes increased by 13%, reflecting greater demand for lower-carbon fuels.
Solid bulk maintains its momentum
Solid bulk volumes totalled 4.6 million tonnes, an increase of 3%. Grain continued the positive trend that began in 2024, recording growth of 1.7%. This result was driven by strong harvests in Western Canada, as well as solid operational performance achieved in collaboration with Bunge, CN, CPKC and the Port of Montreal’s rail teams, resulting in a 24% increase in rail traffic.
Other commodities recording growth included sugar, up 26%, and road salt, up 89% as a direct result of a harsh winter.
Container traffic remains resilient amid disruptions
Despite the disruptions continuing to affect major international shipping routes, the container sector remained stable, with 6.4 million tonnes of cargo and 790,000 TEUs handled. The main commodities transported included soybeans, containerized grain, manufactured goods, iron, steel and forest products.
In line with Canada’s trade diversification strategy, trade continues to expand with several emerging markets, particularly in Africa and Latin America, while Northern Europe remains the Port’s leading international market. The launch of CMA CGM’s new CAGEMA service, providing a direct connection between Montreal and Latin America, supports this momentum by creating new opportunities for shippers.
Oversized cargo makes its mark
The non-containerized cargo sector also recorded a dynamic start to the year, with volumes rising by 6%. The first half of the year was marked by the arrival of several major shipments, including the tunnel boring machine for the Montreal Metro’s Blue Line extension, battery energy storage units and wind turbine blades.
Outlook for the second half of the year
Trends observed during the first half of the year point to continued growth in the liquid and solid bulk sectors, supported in particular by the strong performance of the grain market.
The container sector is expected to remain stable in the short term while continuing to evolve amid a longer-term structural shift, as many countries seek to diversify their trade relationships.
(Photos from Port of Montreal)