May Containerized Exports Looking Healthier Across US West Coast

NWSA The Northwest Seaport Alliances (NWSA) volumes recovered in May after last years unusual trade patterns during contract negotiations.  Full containerized exports continued to recover, growing 12 percent year to date to 382,295 TEUs. Full imports are flat at year to date at 520,215 TEUs. Imports have been muted as retailers continue to work through excess inventory. In addition, domestic volumes remain sluggish due to the weakened Alaska economy, according to the Northwest Seaport Alliance. Total NWSA container volumes for the month fell seven percent compared to May 2015, mainly due to the ports handling less empty containers in May 2016. The Port of Los Angeles reported last week a record container traffic in May, having seen an increase in overall cargo volumes by 11 percent compared to the same period last year. This increase marked the busiest May in the ports 109-year history. Containerized cargo volumes improved also at the Port of Long Beach, rising 0.8 percent in May, compared to the same period last year. Total volumes went up in May at the Port of Portland, too, rising to 797,574 TEUs from 534,917 TEUs in May 2015.