Import Volume Expected to Hit Record High in August
Import volume at U.S. container ports is expected to hit an all-time high in August as retailers rush to bring in holiday merchandise on concerns about West Coast longshoremen’s contract negotiations, according to the National Retail Federation.
Import volume is expected to be 1.54 million this month, the highest monthly volume since the federation began tracking it in 2000. The record is 1.53 million set in July.
Retailers are making sure they are stocked so shoppers won’t be affected despite what happens with the longshoremen, according to NRF.
“The negotiations appear to be going well, but each week that goes by makes the situation more critical as the holiday season approaches,” Jonathan Gold, NRF vice president for supply chain and customs policy, said in a statement.
U.S. ports handled 1.48 million 20-foot equivalent units in June, according to the monthly Global Port tracker report from NRF, a 0.38% decline from May.
