Cargo site visitors on the Port of New Orleans rose within the first half of 2025, fueled by stronger commerce with Latin America and enhancements in delivery reliability.
The port reported dealing with 263,961 twenty-foot equal items (TEUs) between January and June, a 2% improve from the identical interval final yr and up 9% in contrast with the latter half of 2024. Executives credited extra dependable delivery schedules and rising world demand for driving the uptick.
“This development displays our port’s resilience, world competitiveness, and the worth our clients place on reliability,” Port NOLA President and CEO Beth Department mentioned in an announcement.
Import and export tendencies
Natural chemical imports surged 70% this yr, led by shipments from Mexico, whereas copper imports from Asia elevated fivefold. Different main import development got here from Singapore, Malaysia, Chile and Mexico.
On the export facet, plastic resin shipments rose 30%, significantly in polyvinyl chloride exports to Southeast Asia and South America. Vietnam, Turkey and Brazil had been among the many fastest-growing locations.
“These tendencies underscore how Port NOLA is connecting Louisiana producers with fast-growing worldwide markets and serving to importers diversify their provide chains via the Gulf,” Amanda Coates, the port’s vp of cargo, mentioned.
Reliability beneficial properties
Port officers additionally pointed to improved schedule reliability as a significant component in cargo development. On-time efficiency reached 83% in 2025, boosting tools availability and decreasing delays for shippers. The port has additionally added feeder providers and secured extra constant direct calls, which officers mentioned are strengthening commerce connections.
Future capability
Port NOLA is getting ready for additional growth via its $1.8 billion Louisiana Worldwide Terminal mission, which is designed to deal with bigger vessels and improve Gulf Coast delivery competitiveness.
“The Louisiana Worldwide Terminal is a transformational funding that positions Port NOLA because the premier world gateway within the Gulf,” Department mentioned.
The port, a significant deepwater facility on the Mississippi River, connects to 6 Class I railroads and greater than 30 inland hubs. Its strategic hyperlink with the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad helps its function as an built-in logistics hub.
