Port of Vancouver Sets Cargo Record in 2024 with Oil and China Trade Growth

Surging crude oil exports and increased trade with China drove a 5% rise in cargo volumes at Canada’s largest port last year.

The Port of Vancouver moved a record 158 million tonnes of cargo in 2024, marking a 5% increase from the previous year.
Crude oil exports surged by 527%, fueled by the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion, which tripled pipeline capacity at a cost of $34 billion.
Canada-China trade at the port hit a record 45.8 million tonnes, with exports accounting for 78% of the volume, as Canada pursued trade diversification in Asia.
Container traffic rose 11%, recovering to pre-pandemic levels, while vehicle imports reached a record 470,000 units, reflecting strong demand for consumer goods and cars.
Environmental concerns remain over the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 expansion project, which aims to boost container capacity but faces criticism for potential harm to wildlife and ecosystems.