Grain and oil exports drive record cargo volumes at the Port of Vancouver

The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority says cargo volumes at the Port of Vancouver rose three per cent year over year in the six months ending June 30, reaching a record as exports shifted toward markets outside the United States.

Bulk grain exports climbed 14 per cent to a record 17.4 million tonnes, while crude oil exports rose three per cent to a record 12 million tonnes. Much of the commodity traffic was destined for the Indo-Pacific, with East Asia taking Alberta crude and China, Europe and Mexico importing canola seed.

Port authority CEO Peter Xotta said that, amid a more protectionist United States, he wants to help Canada double exports to non-U.S. markets within a decade. The U.S. accounted for one-fifth of crude exports through Vancouver terminals, down from one-third a year earlier.

Vehicle volumes through the port rose 10 per cent year over year in the first half of 2026 as automakers sought alternatives to the U.S. market.