Total TEU volumes down 21.7%

Containerized full exports at the NWSA grew 3.8% in January—marking two consecutive months of growth. Total container volume for the month decreased 21.7% to 213,095 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). Full imports declined 30% as imports continue to struggle due to elevated retail inventories and weak consumer demand.

Starting mid-March, the Ocean Alliance’s Pearl River Express Service will begin calling the Seattle Harbor at Terminal 18. The service calls between China and the U.S. west coast and will feature 15,000 TEU vessels. With a Seattle last-port-of-call, the service will focus on exports, bringing additional capacity for exporters in the region.

Domestic container volume decreased 0.9% compared to 2022. Alaska volumes increased 9.7%. Hawaii volumes declined 40.4% due to one less vessel call than last year.

Other cargo stats:

• Breakbulk volume continues to be strong, growing 10.3% for 31,219 metric tons.
• Auto volumes were 23,682 units, up 63.1%. GLOVIS America’s consolidation of its Kia and Hyundai business in our gateway in September of last year will continue to make for favorable month-over-month comparisons in 2023.

View the January 2023 cargo reports:

• Container volumes – January 2023
• Cargo statistics – January 2023