Port of Tacoma monthly container volumes climbed in July,
posting a six percent gain year over year and marking the fifth consecutive
month of growth, according to newly-released data.
Through the first seven months of the year, Tacoma has
handled 1,167,123 TEUs, an eight percent increase year to date. Full imports
were up 10 percent to 441,113 TEUs, and exports rose eight percent to 319,221
TEUs. Domestic volumes grew two percent to 264,990 TEUs, according to the data.
July’s strong volumes follow unusually robust container
volumes over the last few months, when shippers moved inventory ahead of the
June 30 expiration of the West Coast labor contract. Despite the expiration, the
International Longshore and Warehouse Union and Pacific Maritime Association have
continued to work under the parameters of previous contract while they
negotiate a new one.
In other calendar-year-to-date cargo news at the port: grain
exports grew 75 percent to 2.39 million short tons from January through July,
as volumes returned to normal following historic lows in 2013; break bulk cargo
improved eight percent to 133,044 short tons; and log exports fell 25 percent
to 242,266 short tons, reflecting decreased demand from China.
Detailed numbers about the port’s July 2014 and year-to-date
container volumes can be seen at
http://portoftacoma.com/sites/default/files/Container_Volumes_July2014.pdf.
