Irish port traffic falls 2% in Q1 as trade volumes soften

CSO data shows a dip in goods handled at Irish ports, adding to evidence of headwinds in European shipping lanes.

By Handelsavisen Newsroom · Automated 2026-06-24 10:46 UTC · 1 min read

Goods handled at Irish ports fell by 2% in the first quarter of 2026 compared with the same period last year, according to new figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO).

The total volume of goods processed through Irish ports during the three-month period stood at 12.7 million tonnes.

5% decline in freight revenue for the first quarter of 2026, citing growing challenges in the market.

The decline in port throughput underscores broader softness in trade flows affecting European logistics hubs.

While the drop is modest, it aligns with a wider pattern of subdued demand in the shipping sector, where freight revenues have been under pressure.

This data point arrives as shipping companies navigate a challenging environment.

Havila Shipping, for instance, recently reported a 30.5% decline in freight revenue for the first quarter of 2026, citing growing challenges in the market.