Asian Exports to the US Continue Year-Long Contraction

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Credit: Greek City TImes

The latest data from the Japan Maritime Center (JMC) reveals a challenging year for Asian exports to the United States, as declining trends persist, with notable drops in August and over the January-August period. These developments shed light on the complex dynamics affecting global trade, driven by factors such as inventory levels and consumer demand. The container-news source.

  • Asian exports to the US saw a 13.9% drop in August, marking a year of consecutive contraction, according to the Japan Maritime Center.
  • From January to August, Asian exports to the US declined by 20.2%, despite some earlier recovery in container movement.
  • While US consumption remains stable, high inventory levels have impacted specific sectors, contributing to the overall decline in Asian exports to the US.

August Sees 13.9% Plunge in Asian Exports

According to data from the Japan Maritime Center (JMC), outbound container shipments from 18 Asian countries and regions to the United States experienced a significant decline in August, marking the twelfth consecutive month of year-on-year contraction. The total amount of containers, measured in TEUs (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units), reached 1.68 million TEUs, reflecting a sharp 13.9% decrease compared to the same period last year.

January-August Period Shows 20.2% Year-on-Year Decrease

The decline in Asian exports to the US extends beyond August, with the JMC data revealing that the January-August period witnessed a substantial 20.2% year-on-year decrease. Despite some recovery in container movement along this route earlier in the year, this decline persisted, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by Asian exporters.

US Consumption Remains Steady, but Inventory Levels Impact Specific Sectors

While consumption in the United States has remained relatively steady, the report points out that certain sectors, such as retail and housing-related products, have been affected by high inventory levels. This factor has likely contributed to the overall decrease in container shipments from Asia to the US.

Country-Specific Export Data

Breaking down the data by individual countries, China, a major player in the global trade landscape, was responsible for 945,279 TEUs of exports to the US in August, marking a substantial 16.8% decline. South Korea reported 94,960 TEUs, down 8.7%, Taiwan exported 57,284 TEUs, reflecting a 20% decrease, and Japan reached 50,001 TEUs, down 6.5%.

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