VANCOUVER — Trade through the Port of Vancouver grew four percent to 79.3 million tonnes in 2006, with container traffic reaching 2.2 million TEUs (twenty foot equivalent units).

Vancouver port was the only Pacific Northwest port to post overall tonnage growth in 2006. Strong Canadian market volumes and fewer cargo diversions through U.S. ports contributed to the increases, notes Captain Gordon Houston, president and CEO of the Vancouver Port Authority.

“Maintaining Canada’s competitive trade position requires that we continue to work with our industry and community stakeholders to develop sustainable growth solutions, including infrastructure, labor supply, reducing the port’s environmental footprint, and gaining community support,” he said.

Port growth was driven mainly by
Asian demand for Canadian exports

The growth was driven mainly by Asian demand for Canadian exports. Canola shipments, especially, showed a strong comeback as the global biofuels market gains steam. It displayed a notable increase of 48 percent over 2005.
The growth was seen in most commodities in 2006, with the exception of dry bulk. Coal exports dropped 5.3 percent.

Potash volumes, particularly exports to China, also remain below 2005 levels in spite of a 58 percent recovery in the second half of 2006. But prospects for future growth remain good, says VPA.

Overall, forest products traffic was strong as a result of strong demand from Asia. Exports to China increased by 25 percent to 2.2 million tonnes in 2006.

Breakbulk woodpulp exports from VPA terminals have declined since 2005 due mainly to excess global capacity and strong international competition. However, exports overall last year were strong to the port’s main woodpulp trading partners — Japan, South Korea, and China.

Tighter global markets and higher production have also driven wheat well over 2005 volumes.

Crude petroleum volumes are back to their budgeted volumes after being 13 percent below forecast for the first three quarters of 2006. Outbound volumes of crude to the U.S. increased by 142 percent in November.

Breakbulk iron, steel and alloys at VPA terminals increased significantly again in 2006 compared to the same period in 2005.

The Port of Vancouver, Canada’s Flagship Port, is the country’s largest and most diversified port, trading more than $43 billion in goods with more than 90 trading economies annually.