Total traffic for all imports entering all U.S. ports was up 12% in week 11, 2011, compared to the same week in 2010, according to U.S. import market data compiled by Zepol Corp. For the year to date, overall traffic is up 7% over the same period in 2010.
Steel imports led the way in week 11, being up 34% over the comparable week in 2010. Other sectors doing particularly well in week 11 include autos and parts (up 18%) and food and beverage (up 10%).
Furniture imports, on the other hand, were down 15% for the week. Other sectors seeing a decline compared to the same week in 2010 were mineral and stone (down 5%) and textiles (down 1%).
Geographically, the greatest increase in activity for week 11 came at what Zepol classifies as “other ports,” which was a jump of 31% over the same week in 2010. Imports at Gulf Coast ports were up 29%, and were up 22% at West Coast ports. Import activity at East Coast ports, however, were down 3%.
