Full imports for the month of September improved 4 percent compared to the same month last year, while full exports grew 6 percent. Year to date 2016, full imports are up 3 percent to 1,017,199 TEUs (20-foot equivalent units) and full exports increased 12 percent to 713,579 TEUs.

Total container volumes are essentially flat year-to-date through September, down less than one percent to 2,657,481 TEUs. Weak empty and domestic volumes continue to drag down overall container volume growth. Domestic volumes are down 3 percent year to date as Alaska struggles with a decrease in oil- and gas-related project activity due to low commodity prices. 

In other cargo news:

• Breakbulk cargo is down 28 percent year to date to 141,942 metric tons as the global downturn in agricultural, mining and construction equipment and a strong U.S. dollar affect volumes.
• Log exports declined 40 percent year to date to 124,456 metric tons due to decreased demand in China and competition from New Zealand.
• Autos fell 7 percent to 130,478 units as vehicle manufacturers move factory locations and shift the supply chain. 

View the September 2016 cargo reports:

• Container volumes – September 2016
• Cargo statistics – September 2016