NWSA Posts Strongest November Container Volumes in 5 Years

The US Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) recorded strongest import and export volumes for the month of November over the last five years. 

Full November imports stood at 133,221 TEUs, an increase of 27.5 percent compared to 104,514 TEUs seen in the same month 2015.

In addition, full exports rose by 22.7 percent to 95,442 TEUs in November 2016 from 77,822 TEUs recorded in the same period last year.

The latest results come on the back of the alliance’s strongest October numbers since 2012.

The NWSA said it had four more international vessel calls in November than October and three more than in last November.

“To support strong imports and agricultural exports during this year’s peak season, the NWSA added three weeks to its extended service hours program by reimbursing the terminal operators up to USD 2 million,” the NWSA said.

Year to date, laden imports are up 6 percent to 1,268,049 TEUs and full exports increased 14 percent to 897,785 TEUs.

The year’s total container volumes are up almost 2 percent through November to 3.299,538 TEUs, compared to 3.246,211 TEUs recorded in the eleventh month of 2015.

Furthermore, breakbulk cargo is down 24 percent year to date to 165,836 metric tons from 219,391 metric tons seen in November 2015.

Additionally, log exports declined 36 percent year to date to 150,962 metric tons and autos fell 10 percent to 151,985 units.

Located in the Pacific Northwest in Washington state, the NWSA is comprised of the ports of Seattle and Tacoma. The ports joined forces in August 2015 to unify management of their marine cargo facilities and business.