Increased cargo volumes were reported at the Port of New Orleans and Corpus Christi, Texas in February. The Port of New Orleans saw an 11% increase in container volumes, driven by shipments of coffee, chemicals, and plastic resins. Plastic resins and chemicals were the top containerized exports, while coffee, furniture, and wood products were the top imports. Breakbulk cargo declined by 17% year over year but increased by 36% compared to January 2024.
The Port of Corpus Christi experienced a 1% increase in total shipments, handling 15.7 million tons of cargo in February. Crude oil shipments totaled 9.83 million tons, with exports increasing by 1% and imports by 38% year over year. Petroleum shipments decreased by 6%, while bulk grain shipments increased by 329% and dry bulk cargo decreased by 39% year over year. Breakbulk shipments increased by 532% and chemical cargo volumes by 5% compared to 2023. Liquid bulk shipments decreased by 16%.
Overall, both ports are seeing growth in various cargo categories, with expectations for double-digit growth for the fiscal year. The Port of New Orleans saw significant vessel schedule reliability improvements, while the Port of Corpus Christi handled 388 barge calls and 187 ship calls in February.
