Cargo growth still impressive at BRIC countries

   The so-called “BRIC” countries of Brazil, Russia, India and China are still generating attractive cargo growth, says the current edition of Drewry’s Container Insight Weekly.
   “Container traffic loaded and discharged in the BRIC region’s ports in the first half of the year grew by an impressive 7.1 percent year-on-year, up to 90.7 million TEUs, which is significantly better than North America’s 1.2 percent and Europe’s 0 percent,” said the London-based consultants.
   In the first half of 2013, Brazil loaded and discharged about 4.1 million TEUs, 4.8 percent more than in the first half of 2012; Russia handled 2.5 million TEUs, 8.1 percent more; India handled 5.1 million TEUs, 1.9 percent more; China, 78.9 million TEUs, 7.5 percent more.
   “The good news is that, despite concerns over rising national debt and inflation, particularly in China and Brazil, 2012’s GDP’s are forecast to increase this year and next, so cargo should grow even more proportionately,” Drewry said.