Container Cargo Surges at Gulf Ports, Crude Oil Slips in Corpus Christi

Container cargo flows increased at three ports in March, with Port Houston experiencing a 20% year-over-year increase in twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). Overall cargo flows through the Houston Ship Channel and its two container facilities also climbed 4% during the first quarter. Loaded import volumes at Port Houston were up 23% in March and 14% year-to-date, driven by consumer spending on items like furniture and appliances.

Exports of hydrocarbons and plastic resins from Port Houston also saw solid growth, with loaded export volumes increasing by 12% in March and 15% year-to-date. Despite a decline in general import cargo and steel imports, lumber shipments were up in March and year-to-date. The total tonnage across all terminals at Port Houston increased by 4% through March.

The Port of New Orleans reported a 24% year-over-year increase in container moves in March, while total breakbulk tonnage declined by 54%. Import and export volumes for containerized cargo saw a record quarter, with top exports including plastic resins and miscellaneous chemicals, and top imports including coffee and wood products.

Loaded imports and exports increased at the Port of New Orleans in the first quarter, along with imports of empty containers. Vessel calls also saw a 5% increase during the quarter. The Port of Corpus Christi saw lower crude oil shipments in March, with total cargo decreasing by 1.7% year-over-year. The port handled 10.6 million tons of crude oil during the month, along with significant increases in dry bulk and bulk grain shipments.

The Port of Mobile, Alabama, recorded its third-highest month in history in March, moving 53,608 TEUs, representing a 27% year-over-year increase. Year-to-date container operations also saw significant growth. Alabama Port Authority’s director and CEO attributed the port’s success to its strength in the face of market headwinds.