The Houston Ship Channel reported a significant 12% year-on-year increase in waterborne tonnage for the first quarter of 2026, reaching a total of 65 million short tons. This uplift was predominantly attributed to a robust 19% rise in export throughput during the period. Conversely, imports experienced a 12% decline over the same timeframe.
According to Port Houston CEO Charlie Jenkins, Houston continues to be a leading hub for energy exports. Specific commodities driving this export growth include petroleum gases, which saw a 33% increase, refined products with a 24% rise, and crude oil exports climbing by 19% in the first quarter.
For freight forwarders and operations managers, this sustained growth in energy exports from Houston indicates consistent demand for vessel capacity and related logistics services in the region. The increase in outbound cargo, particularly liquid bulk, suggests stable or potentially increasing freight rates for these specific commodities and trade lanes. Forwarders should monitor capacity availability for tankers and gas carriers, as well as potential impacts on terminal operations due to higher export volumes. The decline in imports might free up some port resources, but the overall focus remains on the robust export sector.
