US import cargoes “set to rise 6.3%” in August

US: Import cargoes “set to rise 6.3%” in August

By Richard Woodard | 22 August 2012

Import cargo volumes at major retail container ports in the US are expected to increase by 6.3% in August, rising 4.8% in the year as a whole, says the National Retail Federation (NRF).

The NRF’s monthly Global Port Tracker report, released in collaboration with Hackett Associates, suggests continued monthly rises for the rest of the year: 7.3% in September, 13.2% in October, 2.4% in November and 2.4% in December.

That follows an estimated increase in imports in July of 2.6% to 1.39m TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units).

“These numbers all show significant increases for the months when retailers will be bringing merchandise into the country for the crucial holiday season, and we’re also expecting an increase for the full year,” said Jonathan Gold, NRF vice president for supply chain and customs policy.

“Actual sales will depend on how consumers react to employment levels and other indicators, but retailers are clearly stocking up and hoping for a stronger fall and winter than they saw last year.”

Sectors: Retail