Port Houston has handled more than 1.8 million TEU in Q1/Q2 2023, a decrease of just 2 per cent compared to last year’s record-breaking year.
Port Houston handled approximately 315,983 TEU in June 2023 alone.
Loaded exports continue to lead the way, with 673,228 TEU through the first half of the year, a 12 per cent rise over the same period last year. Loaded imports are down 7 per cent year-to-date compared to the previous year.
This comes after Port Houston witnessed a robust demand for loaded export containers in March 2023, despite a nationwide softening of imports.
Roger Guenther, Executive Director at Port Houston, stated: “It’s not surprising that import volumes are slightly under last year’s unprecedented pace.
“But container activity through Houston remains strong overall. To put it into perspective, import TEU at Port Houston are up 30 per cent compared to 2019, before the pandemic.”
At Port Houston’s breakbulk facilities, general cargo declined 22 per cent year-to-date compared to 2022.
However, demand for rail, oil country commodities, line pipe, and other items remains strong, with steel imports up 11 per cent this month compared to June 2022.
While auto import units at Port Houston were down 10 per cent in June, they are up 30 per cent year-to-date compared to 2022.
READ: Port Houston grows amid West Coast decline
Port Houston facilities have been upgraded to incorporate newly expanded Union Pacific Railroad services to Denver, Salt Lake City, Oakland, Los Angeles, and El Paso, as well as BNSF Railway services to the Greater Dallas/Fort Worth and Denver markets.
Furthermore, development on its newest container dock at Bayport Container Terminal, which is set to open later this year, is approaching completion.
Guenther added: “As we move into the traditional peak season toward the end of the year, we are ready for the world’s cargo.
“Our customers can continue to count on us for efficiency, reliability, and the top-notch customer service they expect from us.”
