PRINCE RUPERT — On January 30, 2026, the Port of Prince Rupert’s role as a critical node in Canada’s trade diversification strategy was reinforced by record-breaking year-end performance data from major terminal operators. Trigon Pacific Terminals reported handling 10.4 million metric tonnes of cargo in 2025—a 14% increase over the previous year—accounting for 40% of all exports flowing through the gateway.
Breaking the U.S. Monopoly: The Rise of LPG
The speed at which the Skeena region has opened new global energy markets is most evident in the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) sector. Before 2019, 100% of Canadian propane exports were directed to the United States. By the end of 2025, Prince Rupert-based operations had successfully shattered this reliance, positioning Canada as a preferred energy partner for Asia’s top economies.
AltaGas LPG Export Market Share in Asia (Year-End 2025)
| Country | Product | Market Share |
| South Korea | Propane/Butane | 14% |
| Japan | Propane/Butane | 11% |
| China | Propane | 6% |
A standout success was the Chinese market. Shipments only began in April 2025, yet reached a 6% market share in just eight months. This expansion is a cornerstone of the federal “Team Canada Trade Hub” initiative, a strategy championed by Prime Minister Mark Carney to coordinate trade diversification and double non-U.S. exports over the next decade.
The Logistics Advantage: 10 Days to Tidewater
The competitive edge of Prince Rupert lies in its geography. Shipping from the Northwest Coast to Asia takes approximately 10 to 12 days. This represents a nearly 60% time savings compared to shipments originating from the U.S. Gulf Coast, which must navigate the Panama Canal.
Closing the Capacity Gap
To meet surging demand, Trigon Pacific Terminals reached a C$750 million Final Investment Decision (FID) in June 2025 for its new LPG export project. This “open-access” facility is designed to break existing monopolies and provide a competitive outlet for Canadian producers, with exports slated to begin in late 2029.
Simultaneously, construction continues on the $1.46 billion Ridley Island Energy Export Facility (REEF), an AltaGas and Vopak joint venture expected to be in service by year-end 2026. Combined, these projects are transforming Ridley Island into a world-class energy hub, ensuring the Skeena region remains at the forefront of Canada’s shift toward a more resilient, independent economy.
