The Port of Barcelona increases its cargo traffic by 10,5%, driven by liquid bulk cargo

 

El Port de Barcelona has started the year with a solid upward trend, accumulating a total of 11,17 billion tons of goods during the first two months of the year. This figure represents a growth of 10,5 % compared to the same period of the previous year, an expansion based primarily on the extraordinary performance of the bulk liquids.

 

Record growth in liquid bulk and the chemical sector

 

The bulk liquids segment has consolidated itself as the growth engine of the Catalan enclave, registering an increase of 42,5 %Within this category, the performance of the Chemicals, which have seen their traffic volume skyrocket by a 161,3 %.

 

Also, the gas natural It maintains its upward trajectory with an increase of 92,9 %, motivated by the surge in imports from the Estados UnidosMeanwhile, diesel has rebounded. 22,5 %, reaffirming the role of the terminals of Port de Barcelona , the hub strategic for operations of blending and subsequent re-export.

 

Evolution of bulk solids and container logistics

 

Bulk solids have also shown positive growth, with a combined increase of 16,7 %In this area, the increases in traffic are significant. common salt (+131,3%) and the soybean (+ 60,6%).

 

Regarding containerized cargo, container traffic has grown by 3,4 %This data is explained by the recovery of the containers in transit, which have risen a 18 %This dynamic is a response to the operational adjustments made by shipping companies as a result of the crisis in the Red SeaThis has allowed us to offset the declines in full import containers (-4,1%) and export containers (-12,2%).

 

Segment / Product	Growth (%)	Details / Observations
Total Goods Traffic	+ 10,5 %	11,17 million tons accumulated
Bulk Liquids	+ 42,5 %	Led by chemicals and natural gas
Chemical products	+ 161,3 %	Subsector with the highest relative growth
Gas Natural	+ 92,9 %	Imports from Estados Unidos
Bulk Solids	+ 16,7 %	Common salt and soybeans are among the key ingredients.
Vehicle Importation	+ 35,5 %	It compensates for the drop in transit and cabotage.
Passenger Movements	+ 14,9 %	Total of 378.677 movements recorded

 

Geographic dynamics and the automotive market

 

The analysis by geographic destination reveals a shift in trade flows. While trade with China (-7,2%) and Estados Unidos (-14,1%) have declined, trade with emerging markets in Southeast Asia and the Eastern Mediterranean shows great dynamism: Vietnam (+ 23,6%), Indonesia (+41,4%) and Türkiye (+ 3,3%).

 

In the automotive sector, the Port de Barcelona has mobilized nearly 95.000 vehicles, a stable figure compared to the previous year (+0,3%). Although exports remain largely unchanged, vehicle import has grown strongly, scoring a 35,5 % additional.

 

Short-distance transport and passenger traffic

 

El Short Sea Shipping (short sea shipping) has closed the two-month period with a slight increase in 1,1 %The 3,7% decrease in the Intermodal Transport Units (UTI) with the Islas Baleares This has been offset by the 3,1% increase in services ro-ro, especially in connections with Italia.

 

Finally, passenger traffic has increased 378.677 movements (+14,9%). Of this figure, 132.604 correspond to ferries and the rest to cruise ships. It is worth noting that the Port de Barcelona y Turisme de Barcelona They have implemented a new calculation system to standardize cruise passenger statistics with actual visitor data for the city.

 

Key points and frequently asked questions about traffic in the Port of Barcelona

What factor has most driven the port's growth in 2026?

The main driver has been the bulk liquids segment, which grew by 42,5%, with the 161,3% increase in chemical products and the 92,9% increase in natural gas standing out in particular.

How has the Red Sea crisis affected container logistics?

The crisis has led to a readjustment of shipping routes, which has boosted transit containers by 18%. This increase has offset the drop in direct imports and exports of full containers.

What is the current state of trade with Asia and America?

A contraction in the exchange with China y Estados Unidoswhile the markets of Vietnam e Indonesia They show double-digit growth, exceeding 23% and 41% respectively.