The Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA), encompassing the ports of Seattle and Tacoma, reported a substantial 18.4 percent growth in breakbulk cargo volumes for the year-to-date period ending May. This positive trend is primarily attributed to strong industrial demand in the region, with total breakbulk tonnage reaching 163,533 tonnes.
In contrast to the breakbulk sector's growth, container volumes at the NWSA saw a decline. Figures for May 2025 were down compared to the previous year, and the year-to-date container volumes also registered a decrease for the same period.
For freight forwarders and operations managers, this data highlights a potential shift in cargo composition at the NWSA. The robust breakbulk performance suggests consistent demand for project cargo and oversized shipments, which could mean stable capacity and competitive rates for specialized cargo movements. However, the dip in container volumes might indicate reduced demand for standard containerized goods or a shift in routing, potentially leading to more competitive FCL/LCL rates or available capacity on container services calling at these ports.
