By Mark Edward Nero
In 2016, the Port of Vancouver USA recorded more than seven million metric tons of cargo across its docks for the first time in its 105-year history, according to port figures.
The port recorded 7.49 million metric tons last year, nearly eight percent more than the 2015 record of 6.95 million metric tons.
“In nine years at the Port of Vancouver, I've never seen tonnage like this,” port CEO Julianna Marler said in a statement. “It’s a testament to the investments we and our partners have made to provide world-class rail and marine services, access to efficient transportation and excellent customer service.”
Last year was especially great for exports at Vancouver USA. Outgoing cargo climbed to 6.32 million metric tons from 5.54 million metric tons in 2015 – a 14 percent increase overall, according to data.
Grain, which is the port’s largest exports by volume, jumped 17.8 percent last year over 2015’s numbers.
Some imports, such as wind energy components increased in 2016, but overall imports were down 17 percent in 2016, according to figures.
However, despite gains in overall tonnage, Vancouver USA said that fluctuations in currency and the global economy had an impact on it in 2016, contributing to a slight decline in operating revenue, which decreased from $38.2 million to just under $36 million.
Vancouver USA has logged record tonnage for the past three years, and it says that 2017 is shaping up to be another good year as cargoes like autos, steel, minerals, wind energy components and grain continue to bring in solid numbers.
