Unveiling Insights: The Impact of Falling Asian Exports, Rising Cargo Volumes at the Port of LA, and Surging Popularity of Used Teslas

Graphs
Written By Jennifer Joslyn

Mex-cellent Trade Shift

Mexico has now become the United States' top trading partner, surpassing China.

This is a line graph displaying the changes overtime between 2000 and 2023 of US trade with Mexico and China.

Costly Hauls Ahead

Running a trucking business is now more expensive than ever. In 2022, average trucking operational costs exceeded $2 per mile.

A graph displaying the trucking operational costs reaching record highs in 2022.

Container Imports: Downsized

In June, U.S. container import volumes decreased slightly compared to May but were much higher than pre-pandemic (2019) levels.

A graph displaying the change in US container import volume (TEUs) between 2019 and 2023.

Downhill Hustle

The LMI index continues its downward slide. A reading above 50 indicates expansion, while a reading below 50 indicates contraction.

Graph displaying the LMI index change from June 2021 through June 2023.

Road to Controversy: Transportation Politicked

The Department of Transportation is now the 4th most politicized federal agency. The partisan gaps in Americans' views of federal agencies are deepest for the CDC (49% gap), EPA (38% gap), Department of Education (33% gap), and the Department of Transportation (32% gap).

A bar graph displaying the wide partisan differences in views of most federal agencies, but Americans in both parties view National Park Service, USPS, and NASA favorably.

Sailing Shipbuilder Supreme

China manufactures 44% of the world's commercial ships.

A Visualization of the world's shipyards, per country.

Interest Everest

Interest on the federal debt increased to $852 billion, reaching a record high. If it continues on its current trajectory, it will soon become the largest single line item in the federal budget, surpassing Social Security.

Graph depicting the interest expense on US public debt outstanding.

EV Confidence: Amping Down

Americans have low levels of confidence that the U.S. will build the necessary EV infrastructure.

A bar graph displaying the % of US adults who say they are confident or not that the US will build charging stations and infrastructure needed to support large numbers of electric vehicles on the road.

Orbital Clutterbug

This chart raises several questions. Two come to mind immediately:

  1. How much space junk is considered a genuine problem?

  2. Who will be responsible for cleaning it up?

A visualization of how many objects are orbiting earth than aver before.

Business Blues

Although economic conditions appear difficult for starting a new business due to persistent inflation, supply chain disruptions, tight labor markets, high-interest rates, and small business optimism below its 49-year average for 17 months, more people than ever are still starting businesses. It is worth noting that high-propensity applications, such as those in manufacturing, retail, healthcare, and food services, can lead to a company with payroll.

A graph showing the difference between high propensity business applications and business applications for all NAICS in the US.

Export Exodus: Asia's Slump

The decline in Asian exports indicates a slowing global economy.

A graph displaying Asian export indexes.

Cargo Surge: L.A.'s Harbor High

For the fourth straight month, the Port of Los Angeles saw cargo volumes rise.

A graph displaying the Los Angeles Port volumes climb for fourth month.

Charged Opportunities

It is an excellent time to buy a used Tesla.

A graph from Cargurus displaying the average price of a used Tesla.

Chat's Record

Chat GPT reached 100 million users in just 2 days, making it the fastest ever.

A graph displaying how long it took top apps to hit 100m monthly users.
Jennifer Joslyn
Previous

Rethinking ESG Investing: Embracing Brown Firms for a Greener Future
Next

Insights and Trends: Women in Supply Chain, Top Private Employers, & Wealth Migration