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Israeli port activity continues to show a steady strengthening trend. Total cargo throughput in June 2026 reached 5.14 million tons, representing a monthly increase of 2.1% compared to May 2026 (5.03 million tons) and an impressive annual jump of 17.6% compared to June 2025 (4.37 million tons).
Data from the Israeli Shipping and Ports Authority indicates that maritime activity is not only showing a positive comparison base against last year but is also maintaining a high and continuous pace from quarter to quarter.
Import and Export Trends: Bilateral Expansion in Maritime Trade Volumes
The breakdown of port activity by trade direction shows parallel growth in both imports and exports. Import volume (cargo unloading) in June 2026 stood at approximately 3.46 million tons, a slight increase of 1.1% compared to May 2026 and an annual growth of 12.1% compared to June 2025 (3.09 million tons).
Conversely, the export sector (cargo loading) recorded a particularly sharp strengthening: total maritime exports reached 1.57 million tons in June—an 11.9% monthly jump compared to May (1.40 million tons) and an exceptional annual surge of 22.4% compared to June last year (1.28 million tons).
This trend indicates a significant recovery in Israeli production and export capacity alongside stability in domestic demand for imported goods.
Port Activity Across Various Segments
The primary growth engine for the ports remains the container sector, which recorded almost absolute stability at peak levels in June compared to May 2026, with a volume of 312.55 thousand TEU in June versus 312.61 thousand TEU in May (a negligible change of -0.02%).
Compared to June 2025 (261.30 thousand TEU), this represents a sharp jump of 19.6% in national throughput levels.
According to the data, Bay Port (SIPG) continues to lead the annual growth rate in container handling (a 74% jump compared to June last year), while Ashdod Port shows consistent strengthening and maintains its position as the leading port in total volume.
On the other hand, the vehicle and general cargo segments saw a cooling and monthly slowdown compared to May's peaks. Ro-Ro vehicle unloading recorded a sharp monthly decrease of 25.3% compared to May 2026 (20,564 units in June compared to 27,517 in May), and an annual decrease of 12% compared to June 2025.
The general cargo sector also recorded a monthly decrease of 15.6% to a level of 406.43 thousand tons (compared to 481.65 thousand tons in May), as well as an annual decrease of 9.7%.
In the raw materials and bulk sector, the grain and cereal industry stands out, showing continuous strengthening for several months. Grain unloading at ports and the Dagon silos rose by 5.2% compared to May 2026, reaching 507.81 thousand tons.
Compared to June 2025 (when 345.35 thousand tons were unloaded), this is a meteoric 47% jump in grain handling—a figure that explains a significant portion of the growth in import bulk handling to Israel.
Operational Distribution by Port (June 2026)
| Port / Terminal Name | Total Cargo (K Tons) | Containers (K TEU) | Vehicle Imports (Units) | Leading Segment / Market Leadership |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ashdod Port Company | 1,894.04 | 110.37 | 8,950 | National Leader: Total cargo, containers, and vehicle imports. |
| Bay Port (SIPG) | 760.41 | 76.46 | 365 | National Leader: Container growth rate (+74% YoY). |
| Haifa Port Company (and Dagon Silos) | 973.37* | 52.60 | 7,270 | National Leader: Grain and cereal unloading (216.33K tons at Dagon). |
| South Port (HCT) | 572.47 | 73.13 | 0 | Second largest container port in southern Israel. |
| Israel Shipyards | 337.64 | 0 | 0 | National Leader: General cargo handling (146.43K tons). |
| Eilat Port Company | 86.12 | 0 | 3,979 | Southern Gate: Specializing in dry bulk and vehicle imports. |
* The Haifa Port area figure includes the output of general piers and Dagon silos. Total ports include handling at maritime terminals and fuel distillates.
