Week 25: Import Activity Drops 6% throughout U.S. Ports

Total traffic for all imports entering all U.S. ports was down 6% in week 25, 2011, 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 6% over the same period in 2010.

As has been the case in recent weeks, steel imports had the biggest positive gain in week 25, being up 10% over the comparable week in 2010. The only other sector showing a gain was autos and parts imports, which were up 6%.

All other sector categories were down in week 25, with the biggest drop-offs coming from furniture (-15%), textile (-13%), mineral and stone (-11%), and food and beverage (-11%).

On a regional basis, activity at all U.S. ports were down. The East Coast ports were off by 2%, with the best performing sector being autos and parts (up 19%). West Coast ports were down by 9%, which chemical imports showing the most improvement over 2010 (up 6%). Gulf Coast port activity was down by 11%, although textile imports were up 20%. Activity at all other ports were down by 5%, though electronics were up an impressive 67%.