Supply Chain Research

Container handling through Port Houston climbed 8% on a year earlier in April, the fastest rate of growth since December. Export growth of 13% outstripped imports’ 6% increase and supports evidence from California and Virginia that the U.S. trade deficit may narrow. Houston’s outperformance vs. the ports sector more broadly reflects its exposure to Mexico (imports rose 19%) and an increased share of Chinese traffic (volumes were 4% higher). The latter may yet come under threat from deteriorating China-U.S. relations. The large European-based container-lines increased their share of volum...