A new Economic Impact of West Coast Ports Study highlights the vital role Canada’s West Coast ports play in supporting trade, jobs, and economic growth across the country. The study comes at a time when Canada is seeking to diversify trade and expand exports to markets beyond the United States. As Canada’s primary gateway to the Indo-Pacific region, West Coast ports are positioned to play a key role in strengthening the country’s economic resilience and international competitiveness. According to the report, British Columbia’s ports handled more than 200 million metric tonnes of cargo in 2025, valued at $409 billion. This represents the safe movement of approximately $1.1 billion in goods every day. Nearly $270 billion of that trade was conducted with overseas partners, accounting for close to half of Canada’s trade with markets outside North America. The report also highlights the broader economic benefits generated by port activity. West Coast port operations and related supply chains support 152,100 jobs across Canada, generate $13 billion in annual wages, and contribute nearly $25 billion to national GDP.
The findings underscore the importance of ensuring Canada’s Pacific Gateway remains stable, reliable, and competitive. As global trade patterns evolve and geopolitical uncertainty grows, continued investment in port infrastructure and supply chain efficiency will be essential to supporting economic growth and helping Canadian businesses access international markets.
