July U.S. import volume reaches 6-year high

   U.S. containerized import volume in July was the highest for any month since July 2007, according to the latest data from trade intelligence firm Zepol Corp.
   Total import volume rose to nearly 1.7 million TEUs for the month, 2 percent higher than July 2012 and 13 percent higher than in June of this year.
   U.S. imports from China rose to 779,000 TEUs in July, a level not seen since August 2011. Exports from Europe rose 5.1 percent year-on-year to 243,298 TEUs.
   “This year has not seen a rise in imports from 2012, although 2013 may be a stronger year in terms of holiday business,” said Zepol Chief Executive Officer Paul Rasmussen, “July and August are the two busiest months as American retailers prep for the holidays and this July had a much higher import volume than expected.” – Eric Johnson