THE total volume of U.S. retail container imports handled by the nation's major ports in 2013 is estimated to have risen by 2.8 per cent over 2012 to 16.3 million TEU, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report from the National Retail Federation (NRF).
Import container volumes of retail goods are expected to grow by 4.8 per cent in January over the same month last year.
The U.S. ports covered by the report handled 1.37 million TEU in November, the latest month for which after-the-fact numbers are available. That was down 4.3 per cent from October as imports for the holiday season wound down, but up 6.5 per cent from November 2012.
December's retail import volume was estimated at 1.35 million TEU, up 5 per cent from 2012, a NRF statement said.
The cargo numbers come as retailers are waiting to see final figures for 2013 holiday season sales, which NRF predicted would grow 3.9 per cent to US$602.1 billion.
Vice president for supply chain and customs policy Jonathan Gold said, "Based on these early numbers, 2014 looks like it should be off to a good start."
January 2014's retail import volume is forecast at 1.37 million TEU, up 4.8 per cent from January 2013; February at 1.18 million TEU, down 7.5 per cent from last year; and March at 1.32 million TEU, up 15.9 per cent.
"The new year looks to be stronger than the outgoing one, with better-than-expected GDP figures, lower unemployment rates and continued low inflation," Ben Hackett the founder of Hackett Associates, the producers of the report, said. "Expectations of a stronger dollar will also help to increase consumer confidence as import prices continue to fall."
The report covers the ports of Los Angeles/Long Beach, Oakland, Seattle, Tacoma, New York/New Jersey, Hampton Roads, Charleston, Savannah, Port Everglades, Miami and Houston.
MARKETS
14 January 2014 - 22:18
U.S. retail box imports forecast to rise 2.8pc in 2013 to 16.3m TEU
THE total volume of U.S. retail container imports handled by the nation's major ports in 2013 is estimated to have risen by 2.8 per cent over 2012 to 16.3 million TEU, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report from the National Retail Federation (NRF).
MARKETS
14 January 2014 - 22:18
U.S. retail box imports forecast to rise 2.8pc in 2013 to 16.3m TEU
This news 6801 hits received.
These news may also interest you