Iquique Port Cargo Transfer Grows 7% in August

Despite news that the regional economy is experiencing complications, as evidenced in the latest GDP report, cargo transfer through the Port of Iquique continues to show positive performance during 2026. In August, a 7% increase in monthly operational movement stands out, consolidating the growth trend observed after the historical record achieved last year.

According to the monthly statistical report prepared by Empresa Portuaria Iquique (EPI), 295,275 tons were transferred in August, exceeding the 275,440 tons mobilized in the same month of 2025.

With this result, the accumulated total between January and August reached 2,349,850 tons, representing a 4% increase (more than 85,000 additional tons) compared to the 2,264,847 tons registered in the same period last year.

Regarding containerized cargo, the TEUs mobilized in August reached 33,894 units, an increase of 12% compared to 30,160 TEUs in August 2025. In the annual accumulated, this segment reflects a 7% growth, rising from 276,005 units to 294,269 TEUs in 2026.

The month also showed significant variations in different operational areas. Breakbulk or project cargo registered a 72% increase (41,735 tons versus 24,258 in August 2025), while automotive cargo grew 19%. Likewise, exports advanced 9% (58,855 tons) and imports increased 1% (109,405 tons) compared to August of the previous year.

Furthermore, in line with the progress of Bolivia's economy, the main client of the Port of Iquique, cargo transit to and from that country recorded a 4% growth in the month, totaling 84,799 tons. One of the most relevant indicators of the period was cargo transit to destinations other than Bolivia, which grew 177% during the month (22,691 tons compared to 8,205 in August 2025). In the annual accumulated, this segment shows a jump of 138% (reaching 88,647 tons), reflecting the diversification of the client and market portfolio served by the Port of Iquique.

Regarding vessel calls, the port facility handled a total of 30 vessels during August, matching the figure observed in the same month of 2025.

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.

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 shared with various stakeholders in Tarapacá."

Especially relevant was the performance of the Multi-Operator Terminal directly managed by EPI, which in August 2026 registered a 75% increase in cargo transfer compared to the same period last year, reaching a total of 35,136 tons (compared to 20,064 tons in August 2025). In the annual accumulated from January to August, the main terminal totals 250,328 tons, representing an 85% increase compared to the same period in 2025.

Regarding vessel calls, the terminal registered a 20% increase, going from 10 vessels handled in August 2025 to 12 vessels during the same month of 2026. By segments in the Multi-Operator Terminal, breakbulk or project cargo exceeded 25,195 tons (more than quadrupling the August 2025 figure), while cargo transit to third countries other than Bolivia reached 20,188 tons (a 249% increase compared to 5,783 tons the previous year).

The complete results of the monthly statistical report are available in the Monthly Statistics section of the EPI website www.epi.cl