France seaport freight traffic: solid bulk cargo
France seaport freight traffic: solid bulk cargo stood at 59.01 million tonnes in 2025, according to SDES – Service des données et études statistiques (Ministère de la Transition écologique). It is one of the indicators in the Freight transport (annual) table (Value · Annual), with a complete series running from 2000 to 2025. The complete series with an interactive chart, free to download.
This indicator in the Freight transport (annual) table
| Indicator | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cargo by type, all ports | |||||||||||
| Solid bulk | 59.01 | 56.61 | 59.36 | 68.45 | 71.5 | 67.15 | 76.41 | 81.97 | 77.48 | 74.69 | |
| Cereals | 15.55 | 14.32 | 15.28 | 18.79 | 17.03 | 19.88 | 18.54 | 17.18 | 13.79 | 18.36 |
Understanding france seaport freight traffic: solid bulk cargo
Aggregating the physical mass of dry, loose commodities handled without packaging at maritime ports, this series defines the solid bulk sector. It incorporates minerals, ores, coal, agricultural grains, and construction aggregates moving through specialized bulk terminal facilities. The compilation captures all inward and outward movements of dry bulk materials, deliberately excluding liquid cargoes, containerized freight, and wheeled transport units.
Interpreting solid bulk trends involves tracking heavy industry activity, construction sector momentum, and agricultural harvest volumes. Annual analysis helps eliminate the distortions caused by weather-restricted navigation on connecting rivers and seasonal farming export windows. Users should remember that solid bulk represents raw or semi-processed materials, making it a leading indicator for primary manufacturing and infrastructure development rather than retail consumer demand.
Frequently asked questions
- Are sand and gravel dredged locally included in solid bulk totals?
- Materials unloaded at commercial ports for commercial distribution are counted, though local marine dredging not entering port trade may be excluded.
- Does this category include bagged agricultural products?
- No, bagged goods are generally classified under general cargo or break-bulk rather than uncompressed solid bulk.
- How do weather events impact solid bulk handling?
- Heavy rain or high winds can disrupt open-air loading of dusty or moisture-sensitive bulk materials, affecting throughput.