The Port of Houston has announced its second-highest month ever for loaded import containers on record in September, handling 353,525 TEUs, an increase of 26% compared to September of last year. This is the second-highest month ever for containers at Port of Houston, following only August 2022.
As it was mentioned, the increase in volume is largely attributed to demand for imported goods and a more efficient gateway, as well as due to the fact that loaded import container volume was up 31% in September over the same month last year. Overall, container volume is up 18% year-to-date at Port Houston’s terminals and is nearing the 3 million mark already this year.
Despite rumblings of economic slowdown, Port Houston’s terminals have showed no signs of slowing, as the port mentions in the release. Following its best September ever, Port Houston leadership continues to drive forward important infrastructure growth plans, including adding wharves and container yard space. In addition, recently the Port Commission approved the purchase of 26 hybrid-electric rubber tire gantry (RTG) cranes and three new electric ship-to-shore cranes.
Steel imports were also up 32% in September and year-to-date are up 76% and have surpassed 4 miillion tons. Steel products, which include line pipe, structural pipe and tubing, and oil country goods are used in the oil and gas industry. Crude oil production in the Texas Eagle Ford region has been increasing steadily since early this year, and Texas rig count and number of drilling permits are both up.
The Port of Houston also received a boost from auto import units, which were also up 241% in September compared to last year and are up 4% year to date. Total tonnage at Port Houston’s facilities is up 26% for the year through September, as the company says.
Source: Port Houston
