Puget Sound container volumes post double-digit gains in February
Cargo continued to return to the Puget Sound gateway in February, with container volumes through The Northwest Seaport Alliance jumping 21 percent compared to February 2015.
Robust import and export volumes propelled the growth. Full containerized imports climbed 31 percent year to date to 215,690 TEUs (20-foot equivalent units), and full exports improved 31 percent to 141,890 TEUs.
The overall 27 percent year-to-date gain in international volumes to 428,234 TEUs reflects the impact of last year’s contract negotiations. The two parties reached an agreement in February 2015.
Domestic container volumes, meanwhile, fell 8 percent to 97,066 TEUs as Alaska’s economy continues to struggle due to lower oil prices.
Auto imports and breakbulk cargo saw declines last month due to seasonal volume fluctuations and fewer vessel calls. Auto imports fell 11 percent year to date to 25,190 units, while breakbulk dropped 40 percent to 25,973 metric tons. Both are expected to grow in 2016.