Supply Chain Research

Aggregate U.S. air- and seaborne cargoes had a strong August, with the likely result of a significant growth in imports at the macroeconomic level. Seaborne imports grew 4.5% to their highest since at least July 2007, led by northeast ports benefiting from European shipments. Airfreight growth was slower at 3.2% – imports to Chicago actually fell 2.5%. Strong growth at other airports meant the overall Panjiva Combined Cargo Index for the U.S. increased 3.8% to 129.2, a new record.