Business, Freight News, Sea

Port Houston Sees Dip in October Volumes

[ December 3, 2024   //   Gary G Burrows ]

Port Houston handled 3.43 million 20-foot equivalent units, or TEUs, through October of this year a 7 percent improvement from last year, despite a double-digit dip in monthly volume.
The Gulf port handled 309,623 TEUs in October, down 15 percent, though volumes are expected to be solid through the end of the year. Citing “early market reports,” Port Houston expects cargo to surge in November and into the new year, as users push volumes ahead of January’s labor contract expiration and the early Chinese New Year and factory closures in Asia.
October loaded imports decreased 13 percent to 152,879 TEUS and loaded exports dropped 21 percent to 99,013 TEUs compared to last year. Yet, total loaded container volumes remain up 6 percent year-to-date, with steady demand in critical sectors like resins and minerals.
General cargo through Port Houston’s public terminals was down 5 percent in October. Steel imports saw a 25 percent drop for the month, reflecting a 7 percent decrease in Texas onshore and offshore rig activity. There have, however, been notable year-to-date gains in wind power equipment, plywood, and fiberboard.
Total tonnage across all Port Houston facilities is up 3 percent year-to-date to 43.56 million tons.
“Port Houston’s performance throughout this year reflects our team’s resilience and adaptability amid challenging industry conditions,” said Charlie Jenkins, CEO of Port Houston. “We remain committed to serving our customers and growing Houston’s presence as a global hub for commerce.”
A new strategic plan, released earlier in November, outlines organizational priorities for Port Houston over the next years that include facilitating safe navigation, advocating for the Houston Ship Channel, and maximizing capacity, among other objectives.
A key component of the new strategic plan is continued investment in infrastructure designed to improve capacity, fluidity, and efficiency at the public terminals. Recently, five new rubber-tired gantry cranes (RTGs) arrived at Port Houston’s Barbours Cut Container Terminal, adding critical support for growing container volumes there. At Port Houston’s Bayport Container Terminal, an additional wharf is under construction, with expected completion in 2026.

Tags: Port Houston