Supply Chain Research

Container handling at the nine largest U.S. port complexes climbed 9% on a year earlier in June. Imports expanded by just 4%, Panjiva data published three weeks ago shows, suggesting export growth and empty container handling were the major drivers for growth. Southeast region ports, including Savannah, Charleston and Houston led, possibly helped by increased Panama Canal shipments. Their growth may slow, however, as the Canal was widened a year ago. New York meanwhile should continue to increase after the Bayonne Bridge raising was completed.