The Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) reported an increase in import containers by four percent month over month in June – the highest June volume at the NWSA in the past four years.
Furthermore, imports are expected to see a modest boost this summer and fall, according to the NWSA.
Through the first six months of the year, full imports rose one percent to 649,183 TEUs and full exports remain steady, up twelve percent to 468,634 TEUs.
In addition, the weakened Alaskan economy is said to continue to affect the domestic volumes, which are down eleven percent year to date to 343,936 TEUs.
Total box volumes fell three percent year to date through June to 1,681,441 TEUs.
The alliance comprised of the ports of Seattle and Tacoma also said that breakbulk cargo continues to struggle, down 36 percent to 93,975 metric tons due to the strong dollar, fuel price impacts on new projects and slowing economic growth in China. Additionally, auto imports declined nearly four percent to 90.214 units following last year’s all-time high volumes.