Port of Vancouver Releases Mid-year Stats for 2006
Vancouver, B.C. Mid-year stats for cargo through the Port of Vancouver show significant increases in forest product exports, container, canola and inbound steel volumes, while coal and potash exports are down.

Lumber and wood pulp were up from the same time last year by 12.7 per cent and 12.2 per cent respectively. This is attributed to increases in wood production from Pine Beetle infested areas, as well as a strengthening Japanese economy. The turnaround in the Japanese economy represents additional opportunities for Canadian exports, said Chris Badger, Vice President, Customer Development and Operations, with the Vancouver Port Authority.

The impact of rising biodiesel and ethanol demand on global oilseed markets has resulted in a sharp 93 per cent rise in exports of canola through the port to 2.3 million tonnes. Poor growing conditions elsewhere also led to higher demand for Canadian wheat and specialty crops leading to an overall 28 per cent growth in the grain category at 5.5 million tonnes.

The ports container volumes reached 1,035,189 TEUs, up from 853,238 during the same period in 2005, which represents a 21 per cent increase. The increase is primarily attributed to a redirection of cargo to the Port of Vancouver from the Fraser River. With the busiest season still ahead of us, we expect to easily pass the two million TEU mark by the end of the year, predicts Badger.

Inbound breakbulk steel imports are also up 17 per cent due to continued strong demand from the construction and oil and gas industries in western Canada.

Early season results for cruise passengers passing through the Port of Vancouver are down 11 per cent. While the Alaska market continues to grow, were still experiencing some loss in business to Seattle, noted Badger.

After paying high commodity prices last year, coal and potash buyers have been delaying their 2006 purchases to work down their inventories and take a tougher stance in their contract negotiations. This and other market factors resulted in potash falling sharply, down 60 per cent to 1.3 million tonnes, compared to the record first half volumes seen in 2005. Coal volumes are at 11.6 million tonnes, down by 10 per cent, potentially due to reported production concerns.

The following is a statistical summary by sector and major commodity:

Port of Vancouver - 2006 Mid Year Stats
Containerized	June 2006 YTD	June 2005 YTD	Change (%)
Total TEU	1,035,189	853,238	21%
Import Laden TEU	528,003	404,450	31%
Export Laden TEU	378,103	347,762	9%
Cargo Totals	June 2006 YTD Est.	June 2005 YTD	Change (%)
Total Tonnage	38,151,010	38,174,825	-0.1%
Dry Bulk	23,961,245	25,533,998	-6.2%
Coal	11,556,837	12,843,295	-10.0%
Sulphur	2,966,096	3,073,049	-3.5%
Potash	1,312,358	3,337,672	-60.7%
Forest Products	4,370,502	3,962,882	10.3%
Lumber	1,101,824	977,745	12.7%
Woodpulp	2,331,417	2,078,425	12.2%
Grain	5,532,061	4,310,306	28.3%
Canola	2,275,865	1,177,894	93.2%
Wheat	2,943,324	2,750,054	7.0%
Liquid Bulk	3,997,031	3,810,828	4.9%
Total Chemical	1,444,179	1,324,438	9.0%
Petroleum Products	2,497,687	2,422,502	3.1%
Breakbulk	1,590,574	1,568,814	1.4%
Cruise	June 2006 YTD	June 2005 YTD	Change (%)
Passengers	292,822	327,747	-11.%
Note: In-transit passengers counted once for 2006

The Port of Vancouver, Canada's flagship port, trades more than $43 billion in goods with more than 90 trading economies annually. Port activities generate 69,200 jobs with $4 billion in Gross Domestic Product and $8.9 billion in economic output.

For more information, please contact:

Anne McMullin,
Director, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs
Vancouver Port Authority
(604) 665-9069 (office)
(604) 665-9073 (fax)
(778) 231-6978 (cellular)
anne.mcmullin@portvancouver.com

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