Houston sees big decline as Covid-19 continues to affect industry

THE Port of Houston has seen a decline in container volume due to Covid-19 according to London's Container Management.

The port posted a 16 per cent year-on-year decline in June's volume with first half throughput dropping two per cent.



Throughout 2020, the port has handled 40,000 TEU less than 2019. In June, the Port of Houston handled 210,932 TEU down from the 251,488 TEU handled last year.



'It is impossible to predict at this point how long these trends will continue. However, we continue to plan for the future. I am confident that our resilient economy, and the cargo exported and imported, will rebound quickly in our region when the pandemic begins to ease.' said port executive director Roger Guenther.



Total tonnage for June was down seven per cent. Steel, breakbulk, autos were all down compared to the same timeframe last year. However, grain and bulk cargo trade lanes showed increases.



In April, the US Army Corps of Engineers signed off on the Houston Ship Channel Expansion to continue the development of necessary infrastructure. The port was also awarded and US$80 million INFRA grant to help the wharf and yard space at the Barbours Cut Container Terminal.



Congressional approval is expected to follow later this year, which would allow construction to begin in 2021.


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