The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey reported that the Port of New York and New Jersey handled 4.4 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) during the first half of 2026, reflecting resilient container traffic despite ongoing global trade and supply chain challenges.
The strong throughput was supported by steady import demand, healthy export activity and continued growth in transshipment and intermodal cargo movements. The port remained one of the busiest container gateways on the U.S. East Coast, benefiting from its extensive shipping network and well-developed rail and road connections.
Port officials attributed the performance to efficient terminal operations, investments in cargo-handling infrastructure and close coordination with shipping lines, terminal operators and logistics providers. Ongoing modernization projects and digital initiatives have also helped improve vessel turnaround times and cargo flow efficiency.
Consumer goods, retail merchandise, machinery, industrial equipment, food products and automotive cargo were among the major commodities contributing to container volumes during the six-month period. The port also continued to handle significant volumes of e-commerce-related shipments as demand for faster supply chains remained strong.
The Port of New York and New Jersey has continued investing in terminal expansion, berth improvements, channel maintenance and intermodal infrastructure to accommodate larger vessels and rising cargo volumes. These projects are aimed at enhancing long-term capacity and strengthening the port’s competitiveness among major North American gateways.
Industry analysts noted that the first-half performance demonstrates the resilience of U.S. container trade despite evolving global economic conditions, shifting trade patterns and geopolitical uncertainties. Continued infrastructure investment and operational efficiency are expected to support sustained cargo growth in the coming months.
The latest throughput figures reinforce the Port of New York and New Jersey’s strategic role in facilitating international commerce and serving as a critical gateway for imports and exports moving between the United States and global markets.