April international container volumes performed well. At 110,821 TEUs (20-foot equivalent units), full imports grew 6 percent compared to April 2016, as retailers continued to rebuild inventory levels and a favorable market outlook fueled import demand. Full exports were up 1 percent to 77,558 TEUs. Empty exports grew 81.5 percent as ocean carriers began repositioning empties to Asia in preparation for peak season. Total international TEU volumes, including empties, increased by 8 percent compared to last April.
April’s full imports brought year-to-date volumes to 462,427 TEUs, up 11 percent. Meanwhile, full exports grew 5 percent to 324,743 TEUs. Total international containers, including empties, increased 12 percent year to date.
Total domestic volumes for the month declined 21 percent compared to April 2016. Alaska’s year-to-date volumes declined 8 percent and are expected to decline 5 to 6 percent this year due to soft market conditions. Hawaii volumes declined 9 percent.
Other cargo:
- •Breakbulk cargo was down 10 percent, to 55,119 metric tons year to date, due to soft market conditions.
- •Autos, at 53,925 units year to date, slipped 13 percent compared to the same time last year, reflecting weakening U.S. demand and shifting manufacturing locations.
- •Driven by consistent demand from China, log volumes were up 165.3 percent, to 94,547 metric tons, over the same time last year
