Import cargo volume at major US container ports is expected to hit the 2 million twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) mark for the second month in a row in September and remain there in October, according to the Global Port Tracker report released recently by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates.

“These are strong numbers and a sign retailers are optimistic about the holiday season since they don’t import merchandise unless they think they can sell it,” NRF vice president for supply chain and customs policy Jonathan Gold said.

“The holiday season is now the top priority for everyone in the retail supply chain as merchants prepare for the rush of shoppers who will soon be buying gifts for friends and family. As the holidays approach, the recent ratification of the West Coast port labour agreement between the ILWU [International Longshore and Warehouse Union] and PMA [Pacific Maritime Association] provides supply chain stability and certainty for retailers utilizing the West Coast ports,” he said in a release.

Meanwhile, a restriction on the maximum draft of ships passing through the Panama Canal imposed this summer after drought conditions resulted in lower water levels has not materialised into the threat some had feared.

With many ships carrying less-than-capacity loads or returning empty containers, most have been able to comply with the restriction and those awaiting passage as of mid-August were expected to complete their voyages without delay, Hackett Associates Founder Ben Hackett said.

US ports covered by tracker handled 1.91 million TEU in July—up by 4.4 per cent from June but down by 12.4 per cent year on year.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)

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