In March, US container import volumes saw marginal growth compared to February, edging up by only 0.4% to reach 2,145,341 TEUs.
TEU volumes increased
However, TEU volumes experienced a significant increase of 15.7%, compared with the same month last year, and marked an even larger increase of 20.6%, compared with pre-pandemic levels in March 2019.
To provide a clearer perspective, Descartes conducted a comparison between the first 15 days of March 2024 and the corresponding period in 2023, as these intervals were less susceptible to the effects of the Chinese Lunar New Year.
Imports decreased
According to the report, compared to February, March US imports from China continued to decrease due to the Chinese Lunar New Year, leading to a notable decline in volume at the Port of Los Angeles in California for the second consecutive month.
However, ongoing issues such as those at the Panama and Suez Canal, forthcoming labour negotiations at US South Atlantic and Gulf Coast ports, the Middle East conflict, and the aftermath of the Baltimore Bridge collapse are expected to impact global supply chain.
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Source : Containernews
