In week 5, 2011, total traffic for all imports entering U.S. ports was up 13% compared to the same week in 2010, according to U.S. import market data compiled by Zepol Corp. For the year to date, overall traffic is up 12% over the same period in 2010.
Steel imports led the way in week 5, being up 27% for the week and up 24% for the year to date. Autos and parts also did well for the week, being up 22% overall compared to week 5 in 2010, and also up 16% for the year to date.
Mineral and stone imports were down 1% for week 5 compared to the same week in 2010, and this category is down 2% for the year to date. All other categories tracked by Zepol were up for week 5, although furniture imports are also down for the year, being off by 1%.
Geographically, the greatest increase in activity for week 5 was at the East Coast ports, where import traffic was up 22% compared to the same week in 2010. Traffic at the West Coast ports was up 8%, Gulf Coast port traffic was up 5%, and traffic at all other U.S. ports was down 4%.
