Port Réunion handled 6.95 million tonnes of cargo in 2025, up 3.6% on the previous year — its best result ever. Data published by Ports et Corridors confirms the island's growing role as the Indian Ocean's key logistics platform.
Containers, Bulk and General Cargo: A Balanced Performance
Containers accounted for the bulk of traffic at 3.7 million tonnes — 61% of the total — up 2.4% in tonnage despite a slight dip in TEU count (370,433 units). Dry bulk posted a standout +17.4% rise, driven by cereals, cement and especially wood pellets, which surged +40% in line with the island's energy transition. General cargo jumped +84%, reflecting sustained construction activity on the island. Liquid bulk (1.0 million tonnes) dipped 7.1% due to reduced demand for kerosene and diesel.
The Sugar Exception
One notable setback came from the sugar industry, whose exports collapsed by 75% after what local planters called a historically bad campaign. This underperformance is a reminder of the island's agricultural sector's persistent exposure to climate variability in an era of accelerating global disruption. Rolling stock (27,561 vehicles) also edged down by 2%.
A Regional Hub Asserting Itself
The port authority confirmed that Port Réunion continues to serve as the Indian Ocean's regional redistribution centre, despite competitive pressure from rapidly developing East African ports. The island's strategic location — between East Africa, Madagascar, the Mascarene Islands and major shipping lanes to Asia — continues to give it a unique advantage in the region's logistics architecture.
Why It Matters
Port Réunion's traffic record is an indirect gauge of the island's economic health and that of its regional environment. The surge in wood pellets and construction materials signals both growing green energy demand and sustained infrastructure investment. For logistics, trade and industrial players across the Indian Ocean, Réunion is increasingly non-negotiable — as long as the island continues to invest in port capacity and regional connectivity to prevent growing traffic from migrating to competing hubs.