Port NOLA
Port NOLA on Aug. 19 reported continued growth in cargo volumes and trade activity through the first six months of 2025, “thanks to rising container imports and improved schedule reliability that’s helping shippers gain confidence and plan more efficiently.”
In first-half 2025, the port’s overall container volumes were up 2% year-over-year, and 9% compared with second-half 2024. In total, Port NOLA said it has moved 263,961 TEUs (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units) so far in calendar year 2025, up from 258,758 TEUs at this time last year.
“This growth reflects our port’s resilience, global competitiveness, and the value our customers place on reliability,” said Beth Branch, President and CEO of Port NOLA. “As a vital link in the global supply chain, Port NOLA is strengthening connections between Louisiana, the Gulf, and fast-growing international markets, ensuring cargo moves efficiently and reliably across the world.”
Port NOLA also reported trade trends. On the import side, it said, several commodities and countries stood out:
- “Organic chemical imports have jumped by 70%, led by strong trade with Mexico.
- “Copper imports from Asia have grown fivefold, highlighting Port NOLA’s growing role in global raw materials supply chains.
- “Major import growth by country (in TEUs) includes Singapore at +400%; Malaysia at +112%; Chile at +66%; and Mexico, at +24%.”
On the export side, it said, plastic resin exports have risen 30%, “with particularly strong increases in PVC shipments to Southeast Asia and South America.”
Top export growth destinations (in TEUs) include Vietnam at +155%; Turkey at +40%; and Brazil at +35%, according to the port.
“These trends underscore how Port NOLA is connecting Louisiana producers with fast-growing international markets and helping importers diversify and strengthen their supply chains through the Gulf,” noted Amanda Coates, Vice President of Cargo at Port NOLA.
A key driver of growth in 2025 has been “dramatic improvements in schedule reliability, which now sits at 83%, up significantly from prior levels,” according to Port NOLA. This boost, it said, “has contributed to a healthier inflow of equipment, helping to ensure more consistent availability of containers for exporters.”
Port NOLA noted that it has also benefitted from new feeder services and more consistent on-time arrivals of direct port calls, which are “strengthening its network and improving connectivity for regional and global trade.”
With major infrastructure investments under way including the Louisiana International Terminal (LIT), Port NOLA said it is building capacity for future growth.
“The LIT is a transformational investment that positions Port NOLA as the premier global gateway in the Gulf,” Branch said. “By accommodating larger vessels and offering world-class connectivity, LIT will empower shippers with greater flexibility and reliability in navigating today’s complex supply chain environment, all while driving sustained cargo growth through the New Orleans international gateway.”
Separately, Port NOLA is collaborating with other Louisiana ports on a regional marketing strategy.
GPA
GPA on Aug. 19 reported that S&P Global recently gave it “an excellent rating (high grade) of AA/Stable on GPA’s revenue bonds,” which is “effectively the equivalent rating that Moody’s issued last September 2024 at Aa2.”
The S&P Global Ratings report, it said, cited GPA’s key strengths:
- “A very strong market position, given it is a dominant provider of port services, facing modest competition. The port is strategically important to the regional economy as an import and export hub for manufacturers and other businesses in Georgia and neighboring states.
- “Financial metrics, based on our evaluation of current financial forecasts that assume attainable volume projections, which we expect will remain robust with no additional debt needs.
- “Very strong management and governance, with an experienced management team that demonstrates both deep knowledge and insights into industry and market conditions and that has established a track record of managing and operating its port facilities and overseeing implementation of the large capital plan.”
“This is a testament to our Georgia Ports team and Board in managing this incredible asset for Georgia, acknowledging our important role in the economy of the Peach state and the Southeast region,” GPA Board Chair Alec Poitevint said.
Separately, GPA’s Port of Savannah logged the second busiest year on record—moving 5.7 million TEUs in Fiscal Year 2025.
