Week 17: Steel Imports Pace Rise in Imports at U.S. Ports

Total traffic for all imports entering all U.S. ports was up 9% in week 17, 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 remains up 8% over the same period in 2010.

Steel imports led the way in week 17, being up 29% over the comparable week in 2010. Chemical imports also had a good week, being up 17%.

Electronics imports, on the other hand, were down by 7% in week 13, compared to the same week in 2010. Furniture imports were down by 1%, while mineral and stone imports were flat (0% change).

On a regional basis, the greatest increase in activity for week 13 came at the East Coast ports, where activity was up 24% and all categories showed double-digit growth over the same week in 2010, except for mineral and stone imports, which were down 4%. A big jump in steel imports (108%) at the Gulf Coast ports helped those ports register a 17% jump for the week. Imports were down 1% at the West Coast ports, and were flat (0%) at all other U.S. ports.