December 24, 2024 | 17:58:35 | Author: Alex
November 2024 marked a significant increase in freight volumes at several major U.S. international seaports, driven by strong demand for consumer goods, machinery imports, and crude oil exports. The ports of Houston, Corpus Christi (Texas), and New Orleans recorded notable growth in throughput, reflecting robust performance across key trade sectors.
Houston Port: Container Volume Soars 24%
Houston Port’s container throughput surged by 24% year-on-year in November 2024, reaching 369,361 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units). This marked the busiest month in the port’s history, showcasing Houston’s strength in attracting customers and meeting market demands.
Year-to-date Performance: From January to November 2024, Houston handled 3.8 million TEUs, a 9% increase from 2023.
Key Growth Drivers:
- Steel Imports: Steel imports saw a 34% rise in November, totaling 356,782 tons.
- Full-Load Container Imports: Driven by consumer goods and machinery imports, full-load container imports rose 19% year-on-year.
- Resin Exports: Exports of resin, accounting for 45% of total exports, contributed to a 16% overall increase in exports.
New Orleans Port: Growth in Containers and Breakbulk Cargo
New Orleans Port reported a 12% year-on-year increase in container throughput for November 2024, with 45,390 TEUs processed. Additionally, the port experienced growth in breakbulk cargo, particularly steel imports, which led to an 18% rise in general cargo volume.
Key Growth Drivers:
- Breakbulk Cargo: Steel imports saw significant growth, reaching 117,046 short tons.
- Rail Transport: New Orleans Port also processed 9,597 Class I railcars, up 10% from the previous year.
- The port saw a 48% increase in vessel arrivals, with 34 ships docking in November.
Corpus Christi Port: Crude Oil Exports Continue to Climb
The Port of Corpus Christi in Texas reported a total throughput of 17.8 million tons in November, marking an 11% year-on-year growth. Crude oil exports, in particular, were a standout, reaching 10.5 million tons—a 12% increase.
Key Growth Drivers:
- Crude Oil: The increase in crude oil throughput was primarily driven by exports, with 10.5 million tons shipped out in November, up 12% year-on-year.
- Chemicals: Chemical shipments reached 365,037 tons, reflecting a remarkable 67% year-on-year increase.
- Despite a 34% decline in dry bulk cargo, the overall growth momentum at the port remained strong.
Container and Cargo Throughput Growth Comparison Chart
The following chart illustrates the year-on-year growth in container and cargo throughput at Houston, New Orleans, and Corpus Christi Ports for November 2024.
Summary
November 2024 saw impressive performance from U.S. international ports, particularly in container throughput, breakbulk cargo, and crude oil exports. This growth trend signals a strong recovery in global trade and highlights the operational efficiency of U.S. ports, positioning them to further support the global supply chain in the future.
Key Figures:
- Houston Port: Container throughput up 24%, steel imports up 34%, crude oil exports up 12%.
- New Orleans Port: Container throughput up 12%, breakbulk cargo up 18%.
- Corpus Christi Port: Total throughput up 11%, crude oil exports up 12%, chemical shipments up 67%.
These numbers reflect the U.S. ports’ enhanced capacity to handle diversified cargo types, with growth potential continuing to trend upward.