Preliminary results for 2025 from the Port of Montreal: core to market diversification and economic security

MONTREAL, Jan. 23, 2026 /CNW/ - The Montreal Port Authority (MPA) today released the Port of Montreal's preliminary results for 2025 during a speech by its President and CEO, Julie Gascon, to members of the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal (CCMM).

Solid results in an uncertain context

In an economic and geopolitical climate marked by uncertainty and the reorganization of global trade, the Port of Montreal handled 34.3 million tonnes (metric tons) of cargo in 2025. The containerized sector experienced a 3.6% increase in the number of containers, a rate higher than projected global trade growth for 2025, which had been estimated at between 2% and 3% by international organizations. This growth attests to how the logistics ecosystem can capture new trade flows and quickly adapt to changes in international trade. The Port of Montreal also remains balanced in terms of trade, with comparable import and export volumes--a key indicator of the stability and diversification of its activities.

There was a decline in dry bulk (-6%), attributable to weather conditions that affected harvests, following record years in 2024 and 2023. Liquid bulk also dropped by 1.6%, linked to the decrease in energy demand.

The 2025 cruise season ended on November 1st with 61,000 passenger cruise days, along with nearly 15,000 crew members who visited Montreal.

Montreal, a port city driving trade diversification

The 2025 results reaffirm Montréal's central role as a port city, where international connectivity represents a clear strategic advantage for both the Québec and Canadian economies. Trade with the Mediterranean region increased by 1.5%, driven in particular by a 44% surge in trade with Morocco. Imports of fruit from Morocco rose by 137%, while exports of lentils to this market jumped by 154%.

Trade with Africa also increased by 39%, with tonnage doubling with Côte d'Ivoire and Benin and growing 53% with Nigeria. The Port also continued strengthening its ties with key markets such as India and China, confirming its role as a preferred gateway to Europe, Asia and emerging markets.

In focus

Neutral Trade Balance: A Destination Port
Our Key Markets: A Global Presence
Diversification for Food Sovereignty 
Major trading partners

The Contrecœur expansion project: a structuring vision with national stakes

Against a backdrop of export market diversification, the Port of Montreal's Contrecœur expansion project, recognized as a project of national interest, achieved several milestones in 2025. The MPA signed a joint development agreement with DP World Canada, launched preparatory work, and initiated environmental compensation measures.

This expansion, which aims to add 1.15 million containers to the Port of Montreal's handling capacity, is in line with the federal government's goal of doubling Canadian exports outside the United States.

"The 2025 results clearly show that diversification is no longer an option, but a necessity. Montreal is a destination port city, profoundly connected to the world, whose strategic infrastructure links the people and businesses of Quebec and Canada to international markets. This openness is one of our greatest strengths. By investing today in our capabilities, especially through the expansion project in Contrecœur, we are strengthening the resilience of our supply chains, supporting businesses in their diversification efforts, and contributing directly to Canada's economic sovereignty in an increasingly complex geopolitical context," said Julie Gascon, President and CEO of the Montreal Port Authority.

The preliminary results presented will be audited and officially released in full this May at the MPA's annual meeting.

About the Port of Montreal

Operated by the Montreal Port Authority (MPA), the Port of Montreal is the largest container port in Eastern Canada and a diversified transshipment centre that handles all types of goods: containerized and non-containerized cargo, liquid bulk and dry bulk. The only container port in Quebec, it is a destination port served by the largest shipping lines in the world. It is also an intermodal hub with a service offering that is unique in North America, featuring its own rail network directly dockside connected to Canada's two national rail networks. The MPA also operates a Cruise Terminal.

The MPA factors economic, social and environmental components into its corporate initiatives. This commitment is governed by a sustainable development policy whose guiding principles focus on involvement, cooperation and accountability. Port activity in Canada supports some 590,000 jobs and generates close to $98.5 billion in economic activity

SOURCE Montreal Port Authority

Source: Renée Larouche, Director of Communications, Montreal Port Authority, [email protected], 514 531-2410