Israeli ports handled approximately 29.52 million tonnes of cargo in the first half of 2026, up 4.6% from 28.22 million tonnes during the same period last year, according to data from Israel’s Shipping and Ports Authority.
Cargo activity strengthened significantly towards the end of the six-month period, with ports handling 5.14 million tonnes in June, representing a 17.6% year-on-year increase from 4.37 million tonnes in June 2025.
Container traffic recorded stronger growth than overall cargo volumes. Israeli ports handled around 1.81 million TEUs during January-June, up 8.8% from approximately 1.66 million TEUs a year earlier. June container throughput alone reached about 312,551 TEUs, a 19.6% increase year on year.
The number of individual containers handled during the first half also increased by 7.2% to approximately 1.06 million units. Containerised cargo by weight, however, grew at a more moderate pace of around 2%, reaching 14.67 million tonnes.
Grain traffic was another major contributor to growth. Ports handled approximately 2.91 million tonnes of grain during the first half, up 24.9% from 2.33 million tonnes in the corresponding period of 2025. June grain volumes rose even more sharply, increasing 33.5% year on year to about 507,815 tonnes.
Dry bulk cargo also recorded growth, reaching around 2.58 million tonnes in the first six months, an 8.4% increase from the previous year. June dry bulk volumes rose 27.1% year on year to approximately 513,897 tonnes.
The second quarter was stronger than the first, with total cargo traffic reaching about 14.99 million tonnes, compared with 14.53 million tonnes in January-March. Container throughput also increased from 890,058 TEUs in the first quarter to 919,513 TEUs in the second quarter.
The latest figures indicate improving cargo activity across Israel’s port network, with container, grain and dry bulk traffic providing key support to overall throughput during the first half of 2026.
