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The cargo transfer at the Port of Iquique continues to show positive performance during 2026 by exceeding 2 million tons, thus maintaining the growth trend observed last year, a period that marked a historical record in merchandise movement at the port facility.
According to the monthly statistical report prepared by Empresa Portuaria Iquique (EPI), 316,441 tons were handled during July, a figure 1% higher than the 311,919 tons handled in the same month of 2025.
With this result, the accumulated total between January and July reached 2,054,576 tons, representing a 3% increase compared to the 1,989,407 tons registered in the same period of the previous year.
Regarding containerized cargo, the TEUs moved during July remained stable compared to last year. However, the annual sum reflects a 6% growth, increasing from 245,845 units in 2025 to 260,375 TEU in 2026.
The month also showed outstanding results in different cargo segments. Automotive cargo registered a 266% increase, while breakbulk or project cargo increased by 20%. Likewise, exports advanced 2% compared to July 2025, while imports experienced a slight decrease of 1%.
One of the most relevant indicators was the transit of cargo to destinations other than Bolivia, which grew by 183% during the month (15,264 tons), reflecting the diversification achieved in the client and market portfolio served by the Port of Iquique.
In terms of vessel calls, the behavior was similar to that observed in July 2025, totaling 33 vessels served during the period. Containerized cargo registered a 3% decrease in the month, a situation mainly associated with the difficulties faced by the Bolivian market, the main client of the Port of Iquique. In this context, the transit of cargo originating from and destined for Bolivia showed a marginal decrease of 1%.
The General Manager of Empresa Portuaria Iquique, Rubén Castro, highlighted that these results are particularly relevant considering that the comparison is made with the best year in the port's history. "The relevance of these results is that we are managing to maintain a growth trend based on the comparison with 2025, which was the best year in the history of the Port of Iquique in terms of cargo transfer. Sustaining and even surpassing those levels during 2026 demonstrates the solidity of our activity, the trust of our clients, and the coordinated work of the entire port logistics community," he declared.
"These indicators show us that we are on the right track and that the port continues to consolidate its position as a competitive logistics platform for northern Chile and neighboring countries, even more so in a context where we are jointly designing and building a regional logistics policy that we have socialized with various stakeholders in Tarapacá," added Castro.
Especially relevant was the performance of the Multi-operated Terminal managed by EPI, which during July 2026 registered a 31% increase in cargo transfer compared to the same period of the previous year, reaching a total of 215,192 tons.
Regarding vessel calls, the terminal registered a 63% increase, going from eight vessels served in July 2025 to 13 during the same month of 2026.
By segments, breakbulk or project cargo registered a 60% increase, while automotive cargo practically tripled its performance. Likewise, the transit of cargo to Bolivia and to other destinations other than that country were among the most outstanding indicators of the month.
