The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) has announced a substantial increase in cargo tonnage handled at its ports during August 2024. The total tonnage reached 30,527,279 tons, reflecting a 26.57% growth compared to the same period in 2023. According to Mawani, export containers surged by 18.76% to reach 258,955 TEUs. Import containers also significantly increased by 15.24% to reach 261,288 TEUs. General cargo stood at 711,111 tons, bulk solid cargo amounted to 4,832,305 tons, and bulk liquid cargo reached 17,525,862 tons. Livestock imports, however, decreased by 24.27% to 422,449 heads. While handled containers decreased by 5.01% to 685,647 TEUs, transhipment containers dropped by 40.29% to 165,404 TEUs; the overall cargo volume demonstrated robust growth. Shipping traffic also decreased by 4.18% to 986 ships, and passenger numbers declined by 32.51% to 50,345. However, the number of cars shipped increased by 24.51% to 103,416. The authority had previously reported a 9.11% increase in cargo tonnage fo r July 2024. Consistent cargo volume growth underscores Saudi ports' increasing efficiency and capacity. It aligns with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, which aims to position Saudi Arabia as a global logistics hub. Source: Saudi Press Agency