The Port of Tacoma’s critical container trade increased by 2.1 percent in March compared with March of last year, but the port’s container numbers still are nearly 2 percent behind last year’s through March.
The year-to-date deficiency was lead by domestic container numbers, down 9.3 percent through last month. International containers were up 1.5 percent in that same period, according to port figures.
While containerized cargo was a mixed bag of increases and declines, the port’s breakbulk business delivered a stellar performance, but 93.2 percent to date through March.
Breakbulk cargo is cargo too oddly shaped or too large to fit inside a standard shipping container.
The port said that increase was driven by higher machinery and construction equipment exports.
Auto imports were off 8.1 percent through the end of March while grain exports increased by 19.6 percent. Total tonnage at the port was up by 4.9 percent. Vessel calls, 252 through last month, were up 2.9 percent.
Source: News Tribune