16% increase in Container Imports to US Ports expected for July

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The Global Port Tracker is reporting that shipping container imports to the 10 busiest US ports are expected to increase 16% compared to the prevous year. This follows a 20% year-over-year increase in shipping container volume seen in May and an expected 22% year-over-year increase for June. This growth in shipping imports is being felt as shipping ports are dealing with tight vessel capacity and congestion problems.These double digit increases are not expected to continue into the Fall.

Part of the increases seen in the first half of 2010 can be attributed to the fact that the 2009 numbers make for an easy comparison, however some of this is coming from real growth seen in the economy and consumer demand and spending. Retailers are continuing to be cautious though as they watch the numbers for employment, housing and the availability of credit. Better growth in those areas will be needed to continue on this positive trend in shipping imports through the year. 

Source: Container Imports to Rise 16 Percent in July, Hellenic Shipping