The Northwest Seaport Alliance’s total container volumes for 2019 reached 3,775,303 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), a 0.6% dip from 2018. Total imports fell 4.9%, while exports grew 1.7%.

In December, NWSA handled a total of 284,452 TEUs, a 18.5% decrease from an unusually high December 2018 as shippers moved cargo ahead of tariffs. International imports were down 25.7%, while exports were down 15.3% for the month.

Domestic container volumes in December decreased 4.1% over December 2018. Alaska’s and Hawaii’s year-to-date volumes were up 4.8% and 2.9%, respectively, with total domestic volumes growing 4.5%.

NWSA is accepting nominations for the 2019 North Star Awards through Jan. 31, 2020. In its second year, this program honors companies going above and beyond in their efforts to promote business activity and environmental sustainability in the Seattle and Tacoma port gateway. Winners will be announced at the NWSA Annual Breakfast on March 25 at the Museum of Flight. Learn more about the North Star Awards.

Other cargo highlights:

• Breakbulk cargo tonnage was down 1.1% year over year to 246,412 metric tons.
• NWSA auto volumes were 155,930 units, up 10.5% year over year.

View the December 2019 cargo reports:

• Container volumes – December 2019
• Cargo statistics – December 2019