Import Container Activity Surges, but Exports Hit Four-Year Low

In another economic barometer, imports of ocean containers reached a record high in September, while ocean container exports continued to decline.

At issue is soft global demand (especially in China – our biggest trading partner outside North America) combined with a strong U.S. dollar continues to dampen U.S. exports.

Ocean container exports from the U.S. fell 13 percent in September as demand for U.S. goods dropped again amid weak demand and a strong dollar (which makes U.S. goods more expensive).

September’s export container level is 21.6 percent lower than the same month a year ago and exports year to date are down 18.5 percent.

This month’s decline marks the sixth time that exports have fallen in 2014. China is one of the U.S.’s largest export markets, and demand fell off dramatically in September 26.1 percent. Source: Cass Information Systems

Category: General Update