Trade through the Port of London reached a 50-year high in 2025, with nearly 57 million tonnes of cargo passing through the facility. According to the Port of London Authority’s (PLA) Annual Trade Report, this represents a 9% year-on-year increase and the highest volume recorded since 1973. The results solidify the port’s position as the UK’s largest, driven by significant growth in both traditional and emerging cargo sectors.
The growth was led by a 23% increase in container cargo, alongside rises in commodities such as grains, sugars, and vegetable oil. While imports continue to account for 80% of total tonnage, the report highlights a notable 30% surge in exports. Additionally, ethanol trade has grown by 60% over the last four years, reflecting the port’s role in the transition toward sustainable aviation fuel, while sea-dredged aggregates for construction saw a decline of approximately one-third in the same period.
PLA Chief Executive Robin Mortimer stated that the diversity of trade demonstrates the port’s resilience and its strategic importance to the South East and the wider UK economy. Despite current volatility in global shipping, the record volumes and the rise in international exports indicate a strong outlook for the port’s role as a global trading hub. The PLA continues to invest in infrastructure to support this expansion and the country’s long-term growth ambitions.