Container ports around the world delivered mixed performance during the first half of 2026, with growth driven by several regional gateways while Europe’s largest hubs remained largely flat.
The Port of Rotterdam remained the busiest port in the group, handling 7.02 million TEUs. Throughput edged down 0.1% from the same period in 2025.
Antwerp-Bruges processed 6.8 million TEUs, a 1.5% year-on-year decline. Meanwhile, Valencia remained stable, handling 2.82 million TEUs, up 0.2%.
In North America, the Port of Houston handled 2.23 million TEUs, representing 3% growth. The Port of Oakland reported a 2.5% decline, with throughput falling to 1.11 million TEUs.
Several smaller ports posted stronger growth. The Port of Cebu in the Philippines increased volumes by 7.7% to 515,200 TEUs, the highest growth rate among the ports listed. Salerno handled 416,000 TEUs, up 6.2%, while Bilbao processed 556,600 TEUs, a 2.1% increase.
The Port of Aqaba also recorded modest growth. Throughput reached 472,700 TEUs, up 1% from the first half of 2025.
The figures highlight a mixed global market. While several regional ports continued to expand, some of the world’s largest gateways experienced flat or slightly lower container volumes.
