US container volumes forecast at lowest since 2002
US ports are forecast to handle 12.3 million twenty-foot equivalent container units (TEUs) by the end of this year, representing an 18.8% fall from 2008 volumes and the lowest level seen in seven years, according to a report.
The monthly Port Tracker report released recently by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and IHS Global Insight stated that in June, surveyed US ports moved 1.01 million TEUs, down 2% from May levels and 22% from June 2008 volumes.
''The good news is that we're expecting to move from double-digit declines into the single digits by the end of the year,'' said Jonathan Gold, NRF vice president for supply chain and customs policy.
The volumes for July was estimated at 1.06 million TEUs, while August and September volumes forecast were at 1.09 million TEUs and 1.08 million TEUs respectively, according to Port Tracker.
The three-month volume would represent a 20% decline year-on-year.
Port Tracker has also projected October volumes to fall 18% to 1.12 million TEUs, while November volumes would tumble 15% to 1.05 million TEUs and December volumes might decrease 3.8% to 1.02 million TEUs.
The monthly Port Tracker report released recently by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and IHS Global Insight stated that in June, surveyed US ports moved 1.01 million TEUs, down 2% from May levels and 22% from June 2008 volumes.
''The good news is that we're expecting to move from double-digit declines into the single digits by the end of the year,'' said Jonathan Gold, NRF vice president for supply chain and customs policy.
The volumes for July was estimated at 1.06 million TEUs, while August and September volumes forecast were at 1.09 million TEUs and 1.08 million TEUs respectively, according to Port Tracker.
The three-month volume would represent a 20% decline year-on-year.
Port Tracker has also projected October volumes to fall 18% to 1.12 million TEUs, while November volumes would tumble 15% to 1.05 million TEUs and December volumes might decrease 3.8% to 1.02 million TEUs.