The Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) saw breakbulk volumes decrease 18.7 percent across 2025 when compared with 2024. The alliance, alongside three other Washington state ports, has signed an interlocal agreement to develop an inland logistics hub in southeastern Washington.
Full-year breakbulk volumes sat at 327,574 tons (297,170 tonnes), down by 18.7 percent, with full-year automotive volumes down 18.9 percent and container volumes down 5.5 percent, too. NWSA attributed the declines to high interest rates and tariffs.
NWSA, the port of Benton, the port of Pasco and the port of Walla Walla have signed an interlocal agreement to develop an inland logistics hub in the Tri-Cities region of southeastern Washington. The partnership creates a structure for joint efforts to enhance international trade, expand cargo movement and bolster Washington state’s supply chain infrastructure.
The planned inland logistics hub will leverage existing regional assets, such as available industrial-zoned land and access to Class I railroads and highways with direct connections to the coastal seaport. It will also support the development of new logistics capabilities, including intermodal transfer operations, distribution and warehousing facilities and barge facilities with access to the Columbia-Snake River system.
Through joint planning and coordinated marketing efforts, the agreement will look to attract investment from international trade customers and companies.
“This collaborative framework with the ports of Benton, Pasco and Walla Walla aligns perfectly with our strategic vision to expand inland connections,” said NWSA co-chair and port of Seattle commission president Ryan Calkins. “Together, we will unlock new opportunities for economic growth, enhance supply chain efficiency and deliver shared prosperity that benefits communities statewide.”
