Exports up 15.4% from July

August 2023 container volumes reached 242,700 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). Total container volume decreased 13.5% over August 2022 but grew 3.3% compared to the previous month. Full imports for the month decreased 19% while full exports decreased 10.6% but grew 15.4% versus July 2023.

Year-over-year comparisons continue to reflect the pandemic-driven conditions of 2022 and ongoing soft import demand relative to last year. Total TEUs declined 20.2% YTD to 1,874,148 TEUs, with full imports and exports declining 24.9% and 5.1%, respectively.

Domestic container volume decreased 0.3% YTD 2023 compared to YTD 2022. Alaska volumes increased 2.7%, and Hawaii volumes declined 13.3%.

Other cargo stats:

• Breakbulk volume decreased 8.7% for 290,361 metric tons YTD. As container rates have softened, traditional container cargo that had shifted to RORO during the height of the supply chain congestion is now transitioning back to container vessel service.
• Auto volumes were 216,301 units, up 127.4%. New General Motors business coupled with GLOVIS America’s consolidation of its KIA and Hyundai business in our gateway from September of last year will make for favorable month-over-month comparisons in 2023.

View the August 2023 cargo reports:

• Container volumes – August 2023
• Cargo statistics – August 2023