Imports through the nation’s major retail container ports continued to grow for the 15th consecutive month in February and remain about 10 percent above their level of a year ago, according to the latest Global Port Tracker report from the National Retail Federation.
Such imports reached 1.1 million Twenty Foot Equivalent Units, or TEU, in February, up 10 percent from February 2010. One TEU approximates the volume of cargo that can fit in a 20-foot cargo container or its equivalent.
The latest Global Tracker report estimates container imports reached 1.2 million TEU in March, up 11 percent from their level in March 2010 and will rise 9 percent this month over their level in April 2010.
“These numbers are an indication that the economy is recovering and retailers are expecting continued increases in sales through the summer and beyond,” NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold said. “There are challenges ahead from rising prices for gasoline and other essentials, but inventories are under control and retailers are optimistic.”
