The Port of Barcelona reported a 4.3% year-on-year increase in container traffic during the first half of 2026, handling 1.93 million TEUs, supported by strong import demand and higher transshipment volumes despite a challenging global trade environment. Overall cargo throughput reached 35.87 million tonnes, up 3.5% from the same period last year, highlighting the port’s resilience amid geopolitical uncertainty and shifting supply chain dynamics.
Growth was primarily driven by full container imports, which climbed 6.7% to around 380,000 TEUs, reflecting sustained domestic demand. Transit container traffic also posted solid gains, helping offset a 10.1% decline in full container exports, which the port attributed to weaker overseas shipments and the continued impact of global market disruptions, including reduced pork exports linked to animal disease outbreaks.
Other cargo segments also recorded positive performance. Liquid bulk traffic increased 4.1%, dry bulk cargo rose 5.1%, vehicle traffic grew 6.5%, and ro-ro freight advanced 2.8%, demonstrating broad-based growth across the port’s operations. Passenger traffic reached 2.44 million, marking a 4.1% increase over the previous year.
Port officials said the results underscore Barcelona’s ability to adapt to evolving global trade conditions while continuing to invest in infrastructure, sustainability, digitalisation, and improved hinterland connectivity. The port is progressing with major expansion and decarbonisation projects aimed at strengthening its role as one of the Mediterranean’s leading logistics and container hubs.
