The impact of COVID-19 at major U.S. retail container ports appears to be easing slightly, with projected imports remaining below last year’s levels but not as much as previously forecast, according to the Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation
J. Craig Shearman
WASHINGTON – Imports at retail container ports hit a new record this spring and volume during the first half of 2021 is expected to be a third higher than last year as the economy continues to recover from the pandemic, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.
“Despite the continuing pandemic, most consumers are in good financial health and aren’t hesitating to spend,” NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold said. “More spending translates into more merchandise arriving at our ports as retailers continue to meet increasing demand. The cargo surge that began last fall doesn’t show any sign of stopping. Unfortunately, disruption and congestion issues are also continuing.”
May 7, 2021
WASHINGTON May 7, 2021, 2021 Imports at retail container ports hit a new record this spring and volume during the first half of 2021 is expected to be a third higher than last year as the economy continues to recover from the pandemic, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.
“Despite the continuing pandemic, most consumers are in good financial health and aren’t hesitating to spend,” NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold said. “More spending translates into more merchandise arriving at our ports as retailers continue to meet increasing demand. The cargo surge that began last fall doesn’t show any sign of stopping. Unfortunately, disruption and congestion issues are also continuing.”
Adobe Stock
Ports across the US reported record-breaking numbers in March because of consumer spending that drove demand for ocean shipping, according to Supply Chain Dive.
Import volumes rose greatly across the country, with imported intermodal containers growing almost 51% year-over-year (YoY) across the US. These numbers are led by higher imports from Asia. Imports from China were up 177% YoY, and imports from Vietnam were up almost 75% YoY, the article said.
These figures indicate that consumer demand is driving the surge. S&P Global numbers show that imports of leisure products like toys and workout equipment to US ports rose almost 95% YoY. Meanwhile, imports of home furnishing items rose 91% YoY. Supply Chain Dive reported that the number of imports coming to US shores is not expected to ease anytime soon.
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