US containerised imports recorded strong growth in July, rising 9.7% year-on-year to 1.56m twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), according to import-export data tracker PIERS.
The increase was supported by strong demand for auto parts and furniture, with imports also climbing 6.2% compared with June. Analysts said the growth marked a significant rebound for the sector following a 5.2% year-on-year decline in July of the previous year.
© Alptraum | Dreamstime
Furniture imports, the largest containerised commodity category, rose 8% during the month. The increase was partly linked to stronger housing activity, with existing home sales up 2.6% through July, supporting demand for household furnishings.
Other product categories also recorded notable gains, including auto parts, which jumped 25%, as well as bananas, toys and refrigeration equipment.
Imports from China to the US increased by 5% to 733,463 TEUs, while total containerised imports from Asia rose 7.7% compared with the same period a year earlier.
Despite the overall growth, some sectors faced pressure. Footwear imports declined 9% amid rising prices and weaker demand.
Year-to-date, total US containerised imports were up 3.5%, with analysts expecting full-year growth of around 4.6% for imports and 2.3% for exports.
Source: www.truckinginfo.com
