The Port of Corpus Christi in Texas, United States, has recorded its strongest cargo performance for the first nine months of 2026, handling 162.7 million tons of commodities between January and September. The volume represents a 6.1% increase over the previous record of 153.3 million tons achieved during the same period in 2025.
The record reflects strong demand for liquefied natural gas (LNG), natural gas liquids and several bulk commodities, reinforcing the port’s importance in US energy exports and international trade.
Third-Quarter Cargo Volumes Increase
The port handled 52.4 million tons of cargo during the third quarter of 2026, marking a 3% year-on-year increase from 50.9 million tons in the corresponding quarter of 2025.
However, quarterly throughput remained below the record 53 million tons registered in the third quarter of 2024.
LNG and Bulk Cargo Drive Growth
LNG shipments recorded substantial growth during the third quarter, increasing 46.2% year on year to 6.6 million tons. Natural gas liquids volumes rose 23.7% to 525,761 tons, reflecting stronger movement of energy-related commodities.
Dry bulk cargo increased 20.9% to 2.1 million tons, while other bulk liquids rose 7.8% to 4.1 million tons. Refined petroleum product shipments also grew 3.7% to 8.5 million tons.
Crude oil remained the largest individual cargo category, with shipments reaching 30.4 million tons during the quarter. However, this represented a 2.8% decline compared with the third quarter of 2025.
Declines in Agricultural and Breakbulk Cargo
Despite the overall growth, some cargo segments experienced significant reductions. Breakbulk volumes fell 94.7% year on year to 17,041 tons, while agricultural commodity shipments declined 69% to 192,533 tons.
These decreases partly offset the gains recorded in energy and other bulk cargo categories.
Strengthening the Port’s Energy Trade Role
The nine-month record highlights the strength of energy-related cargo movements through the Port of Corpus Christi, one of the major gateways for US crude oil and energy exports.
The continued growth in LNG, natural gas liquids and refined products is supporting overall throughput, even as individual commodity categories experience fluctuations.
With cargo volumes reaching a new nine-month high, the port continues to play a significant role in connecting US energy producers with international markets and supporting global energy supply chains.