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In June 2024, U.S. container imports saw a significant surge, largely due to delays from port labor stalls. As the supply chain adapts to these disruptions, logistics professionals must stay agile and responsive to ensure timely deliveries. It's essential for our industry to address labor issues promptly to maintain the momentum and avoid future backlogs. The increased volume also presents opportunities for growth and innovation in handling and distribution processes.

Shipping, supply chains are humming again as imports in December leap 9.2% year over year. The month is traditionally slow, so the increase is a pleasant, welcome surprise for the US freight market. https://lnkd.in/ebct3Sbi #shipping #supplychain #freight #imports #useconomy

U.S. Container Import Volumes Soar Prompting Retailers to Increase Forecast Despite all the challenges being reported for #container #shipping and the negative outlook presented by the carriers, U.S. #import container volumes are soaring and expected to continue their upward momentum through at least the first half of 2024. This comes as economists continue to point to the resiliency of the economy and the apparent soft landing to the feared 2023 recession. U.S. container import volume had its largest month-over-month gain in January 2024 in the last seven years according to data released by Descartes Systems Group, a software provider for logistics-intensive businesses. Their February Global Shipping report highlights a 7.9 percent increase in overall container import volume in the U.S. in January 2024 versus December 2023. They report a nearly 15 percent rise in imports from China, highlighting that most of the volume went to the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. #freight #logistics #logisticscompany #cargoshipping #cargo

#Logistics news highlights from last week. "Near-Record Surge Possible for U.S. Imports in August: Retail Group" an article from S&P Global | The Journal of Commerce | by Bill Mongelluzzo, Senior Editor Read the full article here --> https://lnkd.in/e3tdHkGb "U.S. retailers said they do not expect any slowing of imports in the second half of the year that will feature a “near-record surge” in August driven by fast-forwarding of shipments ahead of potential longshore labor disruption at ports along the East and Gulf coasts." "Some carriers, forwarders and industry analysts in recent months have indicated that U.S. imports could taper off during the traditional August through October peak shipping season because of the front-loading of cargo earlier this year." “Retailers are concerned by the possibility of a strike at ports on the East and Gulf coasts because contract talks have stalled." "The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) is seeking an almost 80% wage increase over the life of its next six-year contract with maritime employers on the East and Gulf coasts." "The ILA last weekend sent a 60-day notice to the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) warning that the union is prepared to strike if a new labor deal is not signed before the current contract’s Sept. 30 expiration."    "The Global Port Tracker (GPT) expects August imports to increase 19.2% year over year. Imports in September are expected to increase 6.5%, up from 3.5% forecasted last month. Upgrades were also given for October (a 1.7% year-on-year gain compared to a 0.5% decline) and November (4.4% growth compared to a 3.5% gain)."   "In its first forecast for December, GPT calls for a year-over-year increase of 3.5%, bringing GPT’s forecast for imports in 2024 to a 12.1% increase over 2023. The NRF forecasts that retail sales this year will increase between 2.5% and 3.5% over 2023." "U.S. imports from Asia have risen on a year-over-year basis for every month since last October." 

United States-bound import levels are showing gains despite ongoing supply chain challenges. The Port Tracker report highlights significant import volume increases and forecasts for the coming months. #USImports #Imports #MarketNews #SupplyChain #Logistics

In the first three months of 2024, we have seen major growth, #supplychain crises, and an important #shipping incident. The recent Baltimore incident resulted in shipping disruptions, including route diversions. Taken together, all of these factors have affected U.S. #imports dramatically. What have imports looked like recently, and what should we expect going forward? Read Ozcan Ozkabak's latest article:

The busiest U.S. ocean container gateway could soon be handling $1 trillion worth of imports in a single quarter amid a roaring economy and resilient consumer spending. Record volume of 954,706 TEUs in September, up 27% y/y, helped drive all-time high volume of 2,854,904 million TEUs in the third quarter, according to data released today by the Port of Los Angeles. Imports totaled 497,803 TEUs in September, ahead 26% as shippers got an earlier-than-usual start bringing in end-of-year holiday merchandise. A front-loaded peak season came as retailers sought to avoid a host of issues threatening to snarl the global supply chain, from congestion in Asia ports to attacks on shipping in the Red Sea to a brief strike by union longshore workers at East and Gulf Coast ports.

New data signals an early start to peak shipping season, projecting over 2 million ocean import containers to hit U.S. ports in May - months ahead of the typical August peak. Ocean imports are expected to crest at 2.1 million containers in August as retailers prep for holidays. Click to read about the implications of this earlier-than-usual surge: https://lnkd.in/ez3jrkgZ #logistics #supplychain #peakseason #oceanimport #shipping #redsea #industryupdates

📊 U.S. Container Imports Ascend Amidst Supply Chain Complexities   Despite the myriads of challenges plaguing global supply chains, U.S. container imports have demonstrated remarkable resilience, continuing to climb. This trend reflects the enduring strength of consumer demand and the adaptability of businesses in the face of logistical hurdles. The persistence of import growth amidst such adversities is a testament to the robustness of the economic recovery and the strategic adjustments made by industries worldwide.   For the clientele of John S. James Co., this upward trajectory in container imports signifies the critical need for expert navigation through the complexities of international trade. Our comprehensive services, including customs brokerage, freight forwarding, and risk management solutions like cargo insurance, are more pertinent than ever. We are adept at ensuring your operations remain uninterrupted and efficient, even when global dynamics shift unpredictably.   In an era where supply chain challenges are the norm, partnering with John S. James Co. means securing your business against the unexpected. Visit johnsjames.com to learn how our expertise can bolster your supply chain resilience and open doors to new opportunities.   #USContainerImports #SupplyChainResilience #JohnSJamesCo #CustomsBrokerage #FreightForwarding #CargoInsurance #GlobalTrade #LogisticsExcellence #InternationalShipping #TradeSecurity #EconomicRecovery #BusinessAdaptability

As most of the focus as far as disruptions are on middle east, now the possible CN/CPKC rail strike, and the simmering negotiations between ILA and management on the east coast, the likely abnormality of this year's peak season may deliver some disruptions of its own. It is looking more and more likely that peak will arrive early this year as importers bring forward their ordering to deal with longer transit times and continued strong consumer demand. This is being met, of course, by carriers' impending plan to implement even earlier than that peak season surcharges. Add to this the fear of a strike on the east coast at the end of September as well as an ugly election season with a very real possibility of almost impossible to believe tariffs being slapped on China and possibly all other countries imports, and God only knows what volumes could look like after peak and in the later months of the year. We could see any number of ramifications from these events like terminal and port congestion, space constraints, prioritization of higher paying spot cargo, as well as rollings of the lower paying cargo as it is left behind. It is also possible that peak season and its carrier surcharges could continue for many months instead of several weeks. Get ready for a wild ride this year. #imports #volumes #peakseason #economicindicators #carriers #importers #ports #disruptions #spotmarket