Zepol: Baltimore imports up, Seattle down in 2011

   The Port of Baltimore has seen laden import volumes rise 10 percent so far in 2011, while the Port of Seattle has suffered a 13 percent drop in imports, according to a new report from the trade intelligence firm Zepol Corp.
   The report summarizes U.S. imports in 2011, with detailed information on the top performing U.S. ports, carriers, consignees, and more. The report also shows that Mediterranean Shipping Co. has increased its volume into U.S. ports by 17 percent this year, while the value of imports from Saudi Arabia has risen 46 percent, due to the increased price of oil.
   The free report is available here.
   Zepol tracks inbound containers using U.S. Customs data straight from carrier bills of lading as they are entered in the Automated Manifest System. The company in July added a trade compliance product to its roster of services.