International cargo exports grew by 22 per cent over the same two quarters last year, despite an industry work slowdown in April.  Strong increases were seen in general cargo, wood products and pulp. Imports also increased by 15 per cent over the same period, with growth led by lumber and general cargo. Automobile imports at the Port experienced a three per cent decrease, still reaching a healthy total of 224,017 vehicles.

Of particular note, container traffic has increased by a remarkable 24 per cent compared against the first two quarters of 2003, soaring to 148,666 TEUs. Import and export growth rates for container traffic were relatively equal over the period, with exports growing by 22 per cent, and imports showing 25 per cent growth.

Although throughput increased, there was a marginal decrease in ship arrivals at the end of the second quarter, with totals reaching 360, versus 396 in 2003.

The Fraser River Port Authority is responsible for Canada’s second busiest port based on total cargo volume. Fraser River Port is Canada’s largest fresh water port and covers 227 kilometers of shoreline along the Fraser River from Langley to its mouth in the Georgia Strait.