Record-breaking trade volumes have been reported at the Port of London, with newly released figures confirming that 2025 marked the busiest year for the port in half a century. Total throughput reached close to 57 million tonnes, the highest level recorded since 1973, reinforcing its position as the UK’s largest port.
According to the latest annual figures published by the Port of London Authority (PLA), overall trade increased by 9% compared to the previous year. Growth was driven by several sectors, including a notable 23% rise in container traffic, alongside gains in commodities such as vegetable oil, grains and sugar.
While imports continue to dominate activity at the port, making up around 80% of total tonnage, export volumes showed particularly strong momentum, rising by approximately 30% over the same period. This shift highlights a growing contribution from UK exporters using the Thames as a gateway to international markets.
Longer-term trends outlined in the report also point to changing patterns in key commodities. Ethanol volumes have expanded significantly, climbing by around 60% over the past four years, reflecting its increasing importance in the transition towards sustainable aviation fuel. In contrast, materials sourced from marine dredging, widely used in construction, have fallen by roughly one-third over the same timeframe.
These contrasting developments may offer a broader indication of shifting national priorities, balancing environmental targets with the demands of infrastructure and housing delivery.
The PLA also released figures for the final quarter of 2025, which showed a typical seasonal slowdown. Throughput declined by nearly 5% compared with the previous quarter, although performance remained ahead of the same period in 2024.
“It is a fantastic tribute to the customers and people working in the Port of London that the UK’s biggest port is getting even bigger. More trade is flowing through the port than at any time in the last 50 years, and the diversity of that trade speaks to the resilience, reliability and versatility that the port delivers.
In particular, I’m delighted to see exports rise by around a third. Thinking about the country’s ambitions for growth, it is a really encouraging sign to see customers exporting more goods through the Port of London to customers around the world.
Clearly there is significant volatility in global trade and shipping at the moment. But today’s report illustrates how the Port of London remains very well placed to serve the South East and the rest of the country. We will continue to invest heavily to support plans for further growth over the coming years.”
– Robin Mortimer, CEO at the Port of London Authority.
Connect directly with companies shaping the flow of goods across ports and terminals around the world, contact us about our MTB Ports & Terminals event.
