Supply Chain Research

Container handling by the ports of Seattle and Tacoma climbed 12% on a year earlier. That included a 58% jump in empty container movements to reach their highest since at least 2013. A similar pattern was seen in California, and partly reflects a clear-up after Hanjin Shipping’s failure. Import growth outstripped exports, with a 14% growth vs. 6%. Shipments from China increased 11%, with those going to Seattle jumping 21% as it took market share from Tacoma. More of the same may occur if Maersk quits its lease at Tacoma.