The Port of Corpus Christi reported that the second quarter of 2026 was the best quarter in the history of the port.
During the second quarter of 2026, 55.8 million tons of commodities moved through the Corpus Christi Chip Channel, up from the previous record of 54.5 million tons, which was set during the first quarter of the year.
The Port of Corpus Christi shared the data in a July 20 news release.
The first half of 2026 represented a 7.7% increase compared to the first half of 2025.
In particular, liquefied natural gas volumes increased by 36.3%.
In the first half of 2025, 189,000 tons of agricultural commodities moved through the port. During the first half of this year, that increased to 2.1 million tons.
Refined products increased by 8.9%, other bulk liquids grew by 11.7% and natural gas liquids increased by 18.4%.
Crude oil shipments through the port also increased, though only by 1.28% compared to the same period last year.
However, the port also saw decreases in dry bulk commodities and breakbulk cargo.
“Delivering the strongest quarter and first half in our history reflects the continued confidence our customers place in the Port of Corpus Christi and the world-class infrastructure that supports their operations,” port CEO Kent Britton said in the news release. “The continued growth in multiple commodities reflects the significant advantages gained by completion of the ship channel improvement project last year and demonstrates the Port’s critical role in connecting U.S. products to global markets.”
Last month, the Port of Corpus Christi announced it was negotiating a container terminal project with DP World. The port has also eyed the development of a railyard in Robstown.
The port hosted President Donald Trump this spring.
In 2024, $88.6 billion in goods, or 21% of Texas seaport trade, traveled through the Port of Corpus Christi.
The port has grown significantly since the early 2000s, experiencing a shift from primarily imports to exports.
This growth occurred after Congress lifted a 40-year ban on crude oil exports in 2015. The Port of Corpus Christi is now the largest energy export terminal in the U.S. and the third-largest exporter of crude oil in the world.
In 2024, the port deepened and widened the Corpus Christi Ship Channel. This, along with the state’s replacement of the Harbor Bridge, has increased the ability of the port to accommodate larger vessels.
Olivia Garrett reports on education and community news in South Texas. Contact her at olivia.garrett@caller.com.
This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Trade through Port of Corpus Christi keeps growing, surpasses records
Reporting by Olivia Garrett, Corpus Christi Caller Times / Corpus Christi Caller Times
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By Olivia Garrett, Corpus Christi Caller Times | USA TODAY Network
