Despite concerns in recent months about reduced productivity related to federal sequestration, the Port of Hueneme’s 2012-2013 fiscal year turned out to be its best ever for cargo movement.
The total
tonnage for the recently ended FY 2012-2013 jumped to about 1.4 million metric
tons, representing a 9.2 percent jump over FY 2011-2012, and a 2.8 percent
increase over the port’s previous record of 1.39 million metric tons, set in FY
2005-2006.
The port
attributes its growth in freight activity in the niche markets of automobiles,
high and heavy cargo, fresh produce, fertilizer, and domestic commodities like
fish and petroleum products.
Automobile
imports rose over 12 percent over the previous fiscal year, while exports were
steady at a 1.2 percent growth. A portion of this increase is attributed to
additional imports from Hyundai and Kia. A large fraction of the export
increase, according to the port, was driven by more foreign manufacturers,
specifically Honda and Toyota, operating from new facilities within the United
States and sending their autos to the Asian market.
Shallow draft
cargo -- fish, lube oil, and vessel fuel -- increased 6.6 percent for the year,
according to port data, while offshore domestic oil trade saw a 1.1 percent
decrease.
The port’s
most recent fiscal year ended June 30, 2013. Back in March, due to federal
sequestration, US Customs and Border Protection inspections were cut back by
one day a week at Hueneme, leading to complaints by port officials, vessel
operators and others.
The cutbacks,
however, have not led to lengthy, sustained cargo backlogs.
