Week 29: U.S. Ports See Dropoff of 6%

Total traffic for all imports entering all U.S. ports was down 6% in week 29, 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 4% over the same period in 2010.

The biggest percentage gain in imports for the week came from autos and parts imports, which were up 12% for the week and up 11% for the year. Steel imports, which has led the way throughout most of 2011 for increased activity, were flat in week 29. For the year, though, steel imports are up 14%.

The biggest drop in week 29 came from textile imports, which were down 14%. Other sectors experiencing double-digit drops include electronics (down 11%) and mineral & stone (down 10%).

On a regional basis, activity at the East Coast ports was up 9%, led by autos and parts (up 34%). Gulf Coast port activity was up by 3%, paced by chemical imports being up 31% for the week. West Coast ports were down by 16%, with only autos and parts imports showing an improvement over a year ago (up 1%). Activity at all other ports was up by 5%, with electronics (up 41%) and food & beverage (up 40%) imports showing the greatest increase.