Strong volumes through the Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) as shippers pushed orders forward to avoid potential tariffs. Full international imports saw a notable increase, marking the 13th consecutive month of growth, while exports also showed modest gains. The rise in container volumes and new intermodal products signal an active and responsive market.
Significant Growth in Container Volumes
Total container volume, including both international and domestic shipments, reached 309,993 TEUs in March, a solid 18.5% increase from March 2024. Year-to-date (YTD) volumes are up 19%, with full imports growing by 26.6%. Despite these gains, exports have remained relatively flat, indicating a shift in market dynamics.
Innovative Intermodal Solution Enhances Speed
In a strategic collaboration, BNSF Railway, Norfolk Southern, and the NWSA introduced a new faster intermodal product. This service, designed to reduce inland transit time to Chicago, cuts the total time from ship to the city to six days, the fastest from any Pacific Northwest gateway in North America. This innovation is expected to enhance supply chain efficiency and competitiveness
Domestic Volumes and Cargo Updates
Domestic container volumes saw a 2.2% increase compared to YTD 2024, with Alaska and Hawaii experiencing modest growths of 1.1% and 7.5%, respectively. However, breakbulk volumes took a significant hit, falling 36.1% due to high interest rates affecting agricultural, mining, and construction equipment sales. Additionally, auto volumes dropped 18.1%, reflecting the broader slowdown in auto sales across the nation
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Source: THE NORTHWEST SEAPORT ALLIANCE
