USA Import demand continues to decline as volumes through the country’s ten largest container ports fell 17.9% in January, compared to the same month last year.
Ports on the West Coast were the worst hit, with 23.5% fewer containers discharged last month than the previous year and the port of Long Beach fell a staggering 32.3%.
A “significant volume decline” is expected to be reported this month too, as US container ports prepare for a slow first six months of 2023, before an anticipated recovery in the second half of the year.
For the past two years, since the onset of the pandemic, the US has been suffering from severe congestion of its ports, terminals, railheads, warehouses and transport operations, with the West Coast being one of the worst affected areas.
To some extent, the slowdown could be a perfect reset for logistics throughout the country.
However, this does present a great opportunity for enhancing fulfilment operations and moving stock from Asia to the US. While demand is low, rates are always reflective, so please do not hesitate to contact us accordingly.
If you have any questions regarding the above, then Westbound are here to help. So, please do not hesitate to contact us.
