Cargo handling

The volume of cargo handled in Kushiro Port exceeded 20 million tons in 1990 and reached 23.225 million tons in 1999.
International trade accounts for 20.6% of the total. Major imports are wood chips to be used by Kushiro's two major paper manufacturing companies (Nippon Paper Industries and Oji Paper), as well as coal used as an energy source in paper manufacturing. Materials for feed and fertilizers are also imported via Kushiro Port, and are used for dairy and dry field farming in the port hinterland.
Domestic cargo shipped from Kushiro Port includes coal produced using advanced technology in Taiheiyo Tanko mines, paper and pulp made from imported materials, milk and livestock products produced in farms in the port hinterlands.
Reflecting Kushiro Port's widespread influence, domestic cargo shipped into Kushiro Port mainly includes petroleum and heavy oil to be used locally as energy sources and products of the metal and machinery industries, which are indispensable for industrial activities in the area.
In this way, Kushiro Port handles a variety of cargo closely related to Japan's industrial activities and people's livelihoods.

E astern Hokkaido serves as a nationally important source of foods and includes the City of Kushiro, the core of the region. Two industries are particularly active: farming on vast stretches of land, and fishery and seafood processing supported by bountiful northern seas.


Boasting over 20% of the nation's arable and,this region accounts for 30% of Japan's milk production. It also is a major fishing base; indeed, Kushiro port posted the nation's biggest catch for 13 consecutive years.

Mining accounts for over 50% of the nations coal production. Paper manufacturing is also a key industry. Newsprint, corrugated cardboard and other products manufactured at papermills in Kushiro are shipped throughout the county.