Port Houston cargo volume grew 4% in February, based on bulk shipments

Cargo volumes rose 4% at Port Houston in February, based mainly on dry and liquid bulk shipment increases of 28% and 31% respectively, while steel declined 27% year-to-date due to cyclical demand and global market conditions. In comparison, container activity remained flat for the month, with Port Houston handling 326,799 TEUs in February, bringing year-to-date container volumes to 696,833 TEUs, a 2% increase compared with the same period last year. Overall, the port handled 4,380,996 short tons handled across its eight public terminals, bringing the year-to-date total to 8,927,585 short tons, a 5% increase year-to-date. In the first two months of the year, loaded exports increased 5%, and loaded imports rose 3% compared to last year, reflecting continued demand for goods moving through the Houston Ship Channel. Despite that small proportion of container traffic, Port Houston said it anticipates strong growth in containers in future years. The facility’s leaders met in February with its top container customers to share current infrastructure projects and priorities, as well as long-term plans to facilitate growth. Over the past decade, Port Houston says it has been the fastest-growing major container port in the United States, with container volumes increasing at a compound annual growth rate of 7.2% — roughly twice the rate of the next-fastest port. As regional demand for cargo continues to grow, Port Houston is also advocating for public officials to expedite roadway connectivity projects that connect its container terminals to regional distribution centers and inland markets.