The Port of Barcelona has reported a positive trend in the main traffic indicators for the first half of 2026.
During these first six months of the year, the Port of Barcelona handled 35.87 million tonnes, up 3.5% year on year. Container traffic stood at 1.93 million TEU (+4.3%), with a notable increase in imports, which grew by 6.7% to reach 380,000 TEU.
There were also increases in liquid bulk (+4.1%), dry bulk (+5.1%), vehicles (+6.5%) and ro-ro traffic (+2.8%).
The Port registered 2.44 million passenger movements (+4.1%). Ferry traffic also improved, marking an increase of 2.5%, while the number of cruise passengers visiting the city was up 3.4%, to just over one million.
The other major growth vector for the half-year was vehicle traffic. With 386,000 units shipped, the Port of Barcelona recorded an increase of 6.5%, particularly due to imports, which grew by 36%.
This result continues to strengthen Barcelona’s position as one of the main gateways into southern Europe for Asian manufacturers, particularly for electric vehicles.
Currently 45% of imported vehicles are hybrids, plug-in hybrids or pure electric, while China accounts for 50% of all vehicle imports.
According to Àlex Garcia, the growth in vehicle traffic “confirms the transformation that the automotive sector is experiencing.
President of the Port of Barcelona José Alberto Carbonell said: “This is a decisive step because it provides security and certainty about the future development of the Port.
“The conclusions of the studies clearly show that the growth of the airport and the development of the southern area of the Port are fully compatible and allow progress to be made on two strategic projects for the competitiveness and prosperity of Barcelona and Catalonia.”
IntraLogisteX 2026 takes place on 17-18 March 2027 at the NEC Birmingham. For exhibitor information and visitor registration, visit the official event website at www.intralogistex.co.uk
