Port of New Orleans Sees Solid Growth in First Half of 2025

Port of New Orleans (Photo: Port NOLA / Phaata)

Amid a still-volatile global supply chain landscape, the Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) has emerged as a bright spot with positive results in the first six months of 2025. This growth is not just in the numbers; it reflects the sound strategy and adaptability of one of the most critical maritime gateways on the Gulf of Mexico.

Impressive Growth Figures

According to port officials, Port NOLA's container volume in the first six months of the year increased by 2% compared to the same period last year and by 9% compared to the second half of 2024. Specifically, the port handled 263,961 TEUs in 2025, up from 258,758 TEUs in the same period of 2024.

Beth Branch, President and CEO of Port NOLA, said in a press release: "This growth reflects the resilience, global competitiveness of our port, and the value our customers place on reliability. As a critical link in the global supply chain, Port NOLA is strengthening connections between Louisiana, the Gulf of Mexico, and fast-growing international markets."

Where is the Growth Coming From?

Port NOLA's strong performance was driven by both export and import activities, with notable commodities and trade partners.

•    Strong momentum from imports:

• Organic chemical imports soared 70% year-over-year, led by strong trade with Mexico.
• Copper imports from Asia increased five-fold compared to volumes shipped in the first half of 2024.
• Import growth by country (in TEUs) was also impressive:
  • Singapore: +400%
  • Malaysia: +112%
  • Chile: +66%
  • Mexico: +24%

•    Exports were equally robust:

• Export activity also saw an upturn, led by a 30% year-over-year increase in resin shipments, particularly PVC resin to Southeast Asia and South America.
• Top-growing export destinations (in TEUs) include:
  • Vietnam: +155%
  • Turkey: +40%
  • Brazil: +35%

Connecting the Global Supply Chain

Amanda Coates, Vice President of Cargo at Port NOLA, commented: "These trends underscore how Port NOLA is connecting Louisiana producers with fast-growing international markets and helping importers diversify and strengthen their supply chains through the Gulf,"

Overall, the results from the first half of 2025 show that the Port of New Orleans is not only a busy trade gateway but also a reliable and flexible partner in meeting the ever-changing demands of the global logistics market.

See more:

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• Asia-North America Container Rates Tumble After Tariff Front-Loading 'Fever'
• International Shipping and Logistics Market Update - Week 33/2025 | Phaata
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• Supply Chain Disruption Feared as Air Canada Strike Looms
• Yang Ming Reports Profit Decline in Q2 2025 Amid Trade Uncertainties
• GE Appliances to Invest $3 Billion in U.S. Manufacturing
• COSCO schedules: Vietnam - North America in Aug 2025
• SITC updates Vietnam-Intra Asia sailing schedules in Aug 2025

Source: Phaata.com (According to Freight Waves)

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