The Port of New York and New Jersey has reported impressive growth in cargo volumes for March 2025 and the first quarter overall. With a nearly 12% year-on-year increase in total container traffic, the port continues to strengthen its position as a key player in North American trade. The increase reflects rising global demand, improved logistics operations, and a rebound in both imports and exports through the East Coast gateway.
Container Volumes Surge Across Imports and Exports
In March 2025 alone, the port handled 783,732 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), representing an 11.7% increase compared to the same period last year. Loaded imports reached 381,791 TEUs—an 8.1% rise—while loaded exports saw a more substantial gain of 14.5%, totaling 134,966 TEUs. This momentum carried through the first quarter, with overall container traffic rising by 10% year-over-year to 2.2 million TEUs. The growth in exports reflects improved outbound trade flows, while steady import demand suggests resilient consumer and manufacturing activity in the region.
Intermodal and Automotive Cargo Trends Show Mixed Performance
The port’s rail cargo operations also showed strong growth in March, with a total of 61,411 containers moved—an 11.9% increase from March 2024. The first quarter rail volume rose by 4.2%, underscoring the port’s role in facilitating inland freight movement. Meanwhile, automobile shipments presented a mixed picture. While March saw a 17% increase in vehicles handled (37,198 units), Q1 auto volumes were down by 10% compared to the previous year. This suggests possible fluctuations in global automotive trade or supply chain adjustments within the sector.
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Source: CONTAINER NEWS
