Import cargo volumes at main US box ports are forecast to rise 17pc in 2010

THE National Retail Federation has announced major retail container ports in the United States are anticipated to experience a nine per cent increase in import cargo volumes in December 2010 compared to the same month last year, according to its latest monthly Global Port Tracker report.

The report forecasts that import cargo volumes for the whole of 2010 will be up 17 per cent year on year.

"The nation's improving economy has been reflected in the amount of merchandise imported by retailers this year," said NRF vice president for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold. "Import levels have seen solid increases throughout the year and we expect that to continue in 2011. Cargo volume doesn't translate directly to sales, but these trends are certainly in line with what we've experienced with monthly retail sales and this year's holiday season."

The report said US ports handled 1.34 million TEU in October, the latest month for which actual numbers are available. That was unchanged from the previous month, but up 13 per cent year on year, and represents the 11th month in a row of year on year improvements.

November was estimated at 1.25 million TEU, an increase of 15 per cent compared to the same month last year. December is forecast at 1.18 million TEU, up 9 per cent from last year.

The major US retail container ports handled 6.9 million TEU in the first half of 2010, up 17 per cent year on year. The full year is forecast at 14.6 million TEU, which would represent a 17 per cent increase over the 12.7 million TEU handled in 2009, which was the lowest amount recorded since the 12.5 million TEU reported in 2003.

NRF said it is revising its forecast for sales during the November-December holiday season to increase by 3.3 per cent over last year, up from its earlier forecast of 2.3 per cent growth.

The Global Port Tracker report covers the US ports of Long Angeles/Long Beach, Oakland, Seattle, Tacoma, New York/New Jersey, Hampton Roads, Charleston, Savannah and Houston.
(Source:www.schednet.com)