Despite export boost, NWSA container volumes flat through April
Strong export volumes through The Northwest Seaport Alliance hint at a better 2016 outlook than predicted, with full containerized exports up 15 percent year to date in April.
Both full containerized exports and imports posted 7 percent gains last month compared to April 2015. The April numbers mark the first month-over-month comparison that doesn’t reflect cargo volumes impacted by last year’s contract negotiations between the Pacific Maritime Association and International Longshore and Warehouse Union.
Year to date, the Puget Sound gateway’s container volumes are flat at 1,080,957 TEUs. Full exports are up 15 percent year to date to 310,099 TEUs, and full imports are flat at 415,407 TEUs. Empty container volumes are down 16 percent year to date, and domestic volumes continue to lag due a weaker Alaskan economy.
Auto imports continue to be a bright spot for non-container cargo, up nearly 9 percent year to date in April to 62,113 units. Breakbulk cargo—items too large or bulky to fit in a container—are down 36 percent year to date to 61,097 metric tons. The dip reflects slowing economic growth in China and the impact of lower oil prices.