New year kicks off with NWSA container volumes gains
International container volumes at The Northwest Seaport Alliance climbed 25 percent in January compared to the same month a year ago.
Full containerized imports grew 33 percent to 108, 441 TEUs (20-foot equivalent units), while full exports improved 16 percent to 65,430 TEUs. The volumes indicate shippers have returned to the Pacific Northwest following port congestion last year during contract negotiations between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and Pacific Maritime Association.
Domestic container volumes continued to decline in January, falling nearly 13 percent to 44,799 TEUs. The Alaska economy continues to struggle due to falling oil production and prices, and much of our Hawaii-bound cargo now moves through Southern California following the sale of Horizon Lines’ Hawaii business last year.
Through the first month of the new year, container volumes through the Puget Sound gateway grew nearly 17 percent to 257,349 TEUs.
Meanwhile, the declines in breakbulk cargo and auto imports were expected due to seasonal volume fluctuations. Both breakbulk and auto imports are expected to grow in 2016.
The Northwest Seaport Alliance is a marine cargo operating partnership of the ports of Seattle and Tacoma.