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US ports covered by the National Retail Federation (NRF)-Hackett Associates Global Port Tracker handled 2.4 million TEUs in May—up by 6 per cent from April and up 2.7 per cent year over year. It also set a new record for the number of containers imported in a single month since NRF began tracking imports in 2002, topping 2.34 million TEU this March.
Ports have not yet reported June numbers, but the Tracker projected the month at 2.25 million TEU, up by 4.8 per cent from the same month last year. That would bring the first half of the year to 13.5 million TEU, a 5.4 per cent increase year over year.
US ports covered by the National Retail Federation (NRF)-Hackett Associates Global Port Tracker handled 2.4 million TEUs in May—up by 6 per cent from April and up 2.7 per cent year over year. It also set a new record for the number of containers imported in a single month since NRF began tracking imports in 2002, topping 2.34 million TEU this March.
Imports set another record high this spring as the nation’s major container ports worked to reduce congestion and retailers stocked up before dockworkers’ West Coast labor contract expired.
The contract between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and the Pacific Maritime Association expired July 1, but cargo operations are continuing. NRF and more than 150 groups wrote to President Joe Biden last week asking the administration to work with both sides to avoid disruption.
“Cargo volume is expected to remain high as we head into the peak shipping season, and it is essential that all ports continue to operate with minimal disruption,” NRF vice president for supply chain and customs policy Jonathan Gold said in a release.
“Supply chain challenges will continue throughout the remainder of the year, and it is particularly important that labour and management at West Coast ports remain at the bargaining table and reach an agreement,” he said.
Ports saw a surge in activity this spring as a slowdown in cargo from Chinese factories closed by COVID-19 gave them a chance to clear built-up congestion. Retailers bringing in seasonal merchandise and importing other goods early to avoid any problems related to the contract negotiations may have also contributed to volume.
July is forecast at 2.31 million TEU—up by 5.3 per cent from last year, and would be the fourth-busiest month on record. August is forecast at 2.26 million TEU, down by 0.5 per cent year over year.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
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