Port Metro Vancouver released its 2014 year-end statistics last week that show a second consecutive year of record-breaking cargo volumes.
The year was marked by best-ever volumes in the bulk and container sectors, resulting in a record overall year in tonnage. The port's terminals handled 140 million tonnes of cargo in 2014, up three per cent from 2013. Import cargo rose 4.1 per cent to 29 million tonnes, and exports rose 3.3 per cent to 111 million tonnes.
"The port had another record year for cargo volumes, illustrating the demands created by a growing Canadian economy and increasing international desire for Canadian trade," said Robin Silvester, president and chief executive officer of Port Metro Vancouver.
"I'm proud of the leading-edge environmental initiatives, community engagement and infrastructure projects we have completed this year to help balance this continued growth with our local quality of life."
Bulk volumes increased by 5.3 per cent over 2013, with substantial increases in grain exports after a bumper crop year and strong international demand spurred an 18 per cent increase in exports of wheat and 31 per cent increase for canola.
Bulk coal remained strong as volumes increased in several emerging markets. Bulk potash reached a new record of 7.5 million tonnes, a 14 per cent increase from the previous year.
Container volumes continued to grow, with a 3.1 per cent increase over 2013, despite reduced volumes in the month of March due to a container trucking disruption.
Auto volumes declined in 2014 largely due to a shift in vehicle production from Asia to North America. Breakbulk volumes also fell slightly due to a decrease in log exports.
Port Metro Vancouver is Canada's largest gateway, handling 19 per cent of the value of Canada's total trade in goods.
