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NWSA reports growth YTD in 2025 despite May slowdown

The Northwest Seaport Alliance reported a 10.2% increase in total container volumes for the year-to-date 2025, even as the month of May saw a notable decline.

In May alone, total container throughput including international and domestic cargo stood at 250,851 TEUs, marking a 9.4% decrease compared to May 2024.

Full international imports in May 2025 dropped by 21.2% compared to the same month in 2024, breaking a 14-month streak of consistent month-over-month growth. The dip is attributed in part to uncertainty surrounding tariffs, which influenced shipping decisions.

Exports also fell, with full international export volumes declining by 10.7%.

Despite May’s downturn, the broader trend for the year remains positive. Full international imports are up 12% year-to-date, while full exports are down 2.5%.

Domestic container volumes continue to grow steadily, showing a 3.5% increase year-to-date. Cargo movements to Alaska rose by 2.5%, while Hawaii-bound volumes surged by 9.1%.

Other cargo categories reflected ongoing market challenges. Breakbulk cargo volume dropped by 31.1% year-to-date, totaling 138,117 metric tons, with the decline largely due to elevated interest rates and persistent tariff impacts. Meanwhile, auto volumes fell 13.8% to 123,350 units, mirroring broader national trends of slowing automobile sales.

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