Seattle, Tacoma report weak box growth for 2014

Container volumes fell 0.8 percent in Puget Sound ports.    Container volumes fell 0.8 percent to 3.43 million TEUs for Puget Sound ports. It is the first time that the ports of Seattle and Tacoma have jointly reported cargo statistics as they begin to fulfill the alliance they announced in October to collaborate on operations and promote themselves as a single trade hub that can better compete for cargo business.
   Seattle and Tacoma’s combined volumes have remained relatively flat, near 3.5 million TEUs since 2010, while other ports have experienced good to strong growth. Last year marked the second consecutive year of decline, due in part to the rise of new ocean carrier alliances that have pulled some volume to other West Coast ports. Combined volumes at the ports fell 3 percent in 2013 compared to 2012.
   “The industry is changing and the competition from other North American ports is fierce,” said Port of Tacoma Commission President Don Johnson in a statement. “We must adapt and work together to maintain — and grow — our share of the West Coast market to benefit the economic health of Washington state.”
   The two port authorities received permission from the Federal Maritime Commission in early December to undertake further study of their desire to form the Seaport Alliance. Both sides are examining their respective business objectives, strategic marine terminal investments, financial returns, performance metrics, organizational structure, communications and public engagement to solidify their plan. A more detailed agreement will be submitted to the FMC by about the end of March, officials have said.
   Containerized export volumes through the two ports dipped 1.6 percent last year to 1.2 million TEUs, while imports fell 4.1 percent to 1.4 million TEUs. Meanwhile, domestic container volumes associated with the Alaska trade grew 6.1 percent to 870,733 TEUs.
   In other 2014 Puget Sound port cargo news:

• Grain exports rebounded, jumping 96.5 percent to 7.5 million metric tons following a bumper crop that helped return grain to normal volumes following 2013’s historic lows.
• Petroleum volumes grew 26.6 percent to 997,977 metric tons.
• Breakbulk volumes improved 1.3 percent to 253,377 metric tons on the strength of construction and heavy machinery imports.
• Auto imports posted a 9.6 percent gain to 175,802 units as an improving economy and decreasing fuel prices drove new car sales.
• Log exports fell 28.9 percent to 276,628 metric tons due to decreasing demand in China.