Pacific Northwest container imports rise sharply

Containerized imports in the Pacific Northwest were up sharply in August versus the same month last year, and only moderately lower when compared to the previous month this year.

These numbers indicate that the ports of Seattle and Tacoma, like other West Coast ports, have maintained strong import growth through the first eight months of the year and are poised for a strong peak season this fall.

 
Imports in Seattle were up 43 percent compared to August 2009. Year-to-date imports in Seattle are 63.2 percent higher than during the first eight months of 2009.

Tacoma's imports in August were 24 percent higher than in August 2009. Year-to-date, Tacoma's imports are down 0.6 percent.

The Pacific Northwest numbers reflect the move last year of Maersk to Seattle from Tacoma. That is the main reason why Seattle has grown so rapidly all year while Tacoma has struggled to get back to its former volume.

The relatively strong performance of both ports in August could indicate that the Pacific Northwest is poised for a good peak season in September and October.

Some industry analysts predicted July would be the peak month in 2010. However, container statistics released earlier this week by Los Angeles and Long Beach show volumes up in August over the previous month. In the Pacific Northwest, Tacoma in August was flat compared to July 2010, while Seattle was down 4 percent compared to the previous month.
(Source:www.joc.com)