Sept 11--THE Port of Long Beach's August container throughput increased eight per cent year on year to 692,375 TEU, a goodly spurt attributed to rising consumer demand.
"The modest economic growth we've seen since the Great Recession has been replaced this year by robust gains, at least when measured by goods coming into the United States," said port director Mario Cordero.
Imports in August surged 10.6 per cent year on year to 355,715 TEU making it the third-highest monthly import total in the port's 106-year history.
Meanwhile, exports were down 26.3 per cent to 117,290 TEU due to shifts in vessel alliances, according to the port. Empties, mostly heading back to Asia for refilling, climbed 37 per cent to 219,370 TEU.
Through the first eight months of 2017, total cargo volumes are up 6.6 per cent from the same 2016 period, according to port statistics.
"We are on pace to have our highest import year ever and one of our best years, period," harbour commission president Lou Anne Bynum said. "Our inbound traffic during this peak season signifies optimism among retailers for the holiday season. Simply put, shoppers are buying more, and retailers are restocking their shelves."
(Source:shippingazette)