Import Cargo Volume at US Ports Set to Peak in August, but Labor Disputes Pose Concerns for Retailers

Trade & Border IssuesHot Spots
Written By Jennifer Joslyn

The Global Port Tracker report indicates that import cargo volume at major container ports in the United States is expected to increase towards a peak in August. While a tentative contract agreement has been reached at West Coast ports, potential labor disputes at ports in western Canada and a potential Teamsters strike against UPS pose concerns for retailers. The report also highlights a decline in import volumes compared to the previous year and urges parties involved in labor negotiations to avoid disruptive activities that could impact supply chains during the upcoming peak shipping season.

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Import Cargo Volume at US Ports Set to Peak in August, but Labor Disputes Pose Concerns for Retailers
Import Cargo Volume at US Ports Set to Peak in August, but Labor Disputes Pose Concerns for Retailers

The Global Port Tracker report indicates that import cargo volume at major container ports in the United States is expected to increase towards a peak in August.

February's U.S. Container import shows the largest monthly decline on record
February's U.S. Container import shows the largest monthly decline on record

Last month, the container volumes received by the U.S. dropped 28% in merely thirty days.

Pakistan’s ports are bloated with frozen imports
Pakistan’s ports are bloated with frozen imports

The country’s economy is teetering on the edge of collapse, and many companies - especially those that manage the ports - have been forced to halt operations in response.

Norway is now Germany’s biggest supplier of imported gas, replacing Russia
Norway is now Germany’s biggest supplier of imported gas, replacing Russia

Germany has traded Russia for Norway as the country’s import share dropped to just 22% in 2022. Russia began gradually cutting its gas supply via the Nord Stream pipeline to Germany over the summer and shortly thereafter ceased supplying via pipeline in September.

Port congestion problems eased in Oakland after November drop in imports
Port congestion problems eased in Oakland after November drop in imports

Compared to 2021, November imports and exports were down in November of 2022 at (-17.4%) and (-12.3%) respectively.

Import dwell fees are coming to the Port of Houston
Import dwell fees are coming to the Port of Houston

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Pineapples from Costa Rica cloudy history before they show up in your grocery store
Pineapples from Costa Rica cloudy history before they show up in your grocery store

The largest exporter of pineapple across the globe is Costa Rica, but it doesn’t come easy.

Foreign goods are cheaper than ever to import
Foreign goods are cheaper than ever to import

Manufacturers in the United States are likely to suffer from the value of the dollar going up as US-made goods become more and more expensive for buyers internationally.

Russian imports to US still coming, despite White House threats
Russian imports to US still coming, despite White House threats

War? What war?

UN deal secures more corn shipments through Black Sea
UN deal secures more corn shipments through Black Sea

Corn shipments continue to leave Ukraine ports after the UN deal brokered between Russia, Turkey, and Ukraine takes effect.

American cherry exports boom in China
American cherry exports boom in China

The Chinese love their American cherry imports - so much so, that the top buyer of US cherries has impacted airfreight capacity for other export markets to ensure their shipments get delivered.

Shanghai reopens, bringing massive cargo surge to CA ports
Shanghai reopens, bringing massive cargo surge to CA ports

While the port of Shanghai was technically in operation during the three-month shutdown due to Covid-19 restrictions, the operations were slowed significantly.

U.S. invites foreign formula makers to export product
U.S. invites foreign formula makers to export product

Baby formula imports, incoming!

Jennifer Joslyn
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