Third Quarter 2026 Trade Volumes
08/07/2026 16:53 NZST, MKTUPDTE
Napier Port (NZX.NPH) today releases trade volume data for the third quarter and nine months ended 30 June 2026. Compared to the third quarter in 2025, containerised cargo volume decreased by 2.5% and bulk cargo volume decreased by 4.6%. For the nine months to June, containerised cargo volume increased by 1% and bulk cargo volume decreased by 2.5%.
Chief Executive Todd Dawson said: “The third quarter saw continued momentum in containerised exports supported by favourable growing conditions and additional container shipping services calling Napier. The recent addition of the MSC Eagle service to North-East USA with connections onward to Europe has seen an immediate pick-up in meat and timber exports destined for the US and European markets. The reduction in bulk log exports reflects ongoing geopolitical challenges creating higher costs for exporters. This has been partially mitigated by higher volumes of fertiliser imports and exports.
“We will provide a further update when we release our nine-month interim financial results on 12 August 2026” Mr Dawson said.
Container Services
Total container volumes for the third quarter of 79k TEU decreased 2.5% from 81k TEU in the same period a year ago. For the nine months to June, total container volumes of 196k TEU increased 1% from 194k TEU in the prior period.
Full container volumes during the third quarter and nine-month period increased 9.2% and 5%, and empty and other container movements decreased 14.3% and 3.3%, respectively, compared to the same period a year ago.
Dry export cargo for the third quarter increased 12.9% to 14k TEU, as higher timber and other dry exports were partially offset by lower wood pulp exports. For the nine months, total dry export cargo increased 4.2% to 40k TEU.
Reefer export cargo for the third quarter increased 1.9% to 22k TEU. Export apple volumes increased 4.1% and meat exports increased 20.5%, whereas fresh and other chilled produce decreased 19.7%. For the nine months, total reefer export cargo increased 5.4% to 43k TEU.
Containerised imports for the third quarter decreased 8.5% to 35k TEU. Dry containers increased 30.2% on higher fertiliser and paper product imports, and empty containers decreased 15.9% as a higher proportion of repositioning activity took place in the first half of the year. For the nine months, containerised imports increased 3.7% to 93k TEU.
Other container movements for the third quarter were flat on the same period a year ago and for the nine months decreased 17% to 16k TEU.
Container vessel calls for the third quarter were 86, up from 70 calls in the prior year on new services calling at Napier Port. For the nine-month period, vessel calls increased by 23 vessels, or 11.9%, compared to the same period a year ago.
Bulk Cargo
Total bulk cargo volume, compared to the same periods a year ago, decreased 4.6% for the third quarter to 0.74 million tonnes, and decreased 2.5% for the nine months to 2.43 million tonnes.
Log export volumes decreased 34k tonnes, or 5%, for the third quarter and decreased 106k tonnes, or 5.2%, for the nine months.
Other bulk exports increased 9k tonnes for the third quarter and increased 29k tonnes for the nine months, primarily due to higher coastal fertiliser movements.
Bulk import volumes decreased 11k tonnes, or 11.7%, to 85k tonnes for the third quarter and increased by 16k tonnes, or 4%, to 417k tonnes for the nine months. Higher import volumes were primarily due to increased fertiliser, partially offset by lower oil products and cement.
Charter vessel calls decreased to 55 from 61 in the third quarter and decreased to 177 from 182 for the nine months.
Cruise Services
There was one further cruise vessel call in the third quarter, bringing the 2025-26 season total to 55 calls.
Further information is included within the attachment.
ENDS
For more information:
Investors
Kristen Lie
Chief Financial Officer
DDI: +64 6 833 4405
E: kristenl@napierport.co.nz
Media
Fleur Murray
GM Corporate Affairs
DDI: +64 6 833 4368
E: fleurm@napierport.co.nz
About Napier Port
Napier Port is New Zealand’s fourth largest port by container volume. We are the gateway for Hawke’s Bay and lower North Island’s exports and operate a long-term regional infrastructure asset that supports the regional economy. Our strategic purpose is to collaborate with the people and organisations that have a stake in helping our region grow. View Napier Port’s investor centre: www.napierport.co.nz/investor-centre/