U.S. containerized exports in February up 9.6% year-over-year, 4% month-over-month, to 1,014,176 TEUs, led by strong gains in paper, paperboard, boosted by depreciation of U.S. dollar: Federal Maritime Commission

Kendall Sinclair

NEWARK, New Jersey , April 18, 2012 (press release) – After 1.9 percent growth in January, U.S. containerized exports surged in February, rising 9.6 percent year-over-year and 4 percent from the previous month. The total February volume — measured in 20-foot equivalent container units — was 1,014,176 TEUs, led by strong gains in paper and paperboard, building materials and refrigerated foods, and boosted by the depreciation of the U.S. dollar.

In terms of TEUs, paper and paperboard showed the greatest gains, but building materials grew by 280 percent over January, and frozen fish jumped 157 percent. Fabrics (including raw cotton) continue to decline, down 15 percent or 6,375 TEUs.

"The foreign exchange value of the U.S. dollar against a broad basket of currencies was down on January 31 by 2 percent over the value of Dec. 30, 2011," said Mario O. Moreno, economist for The Journal of Commerce/PIERS. "Manufacturing activity in China has been in contraction for four consecutive months, yet U.S. exports of key raw materials such as paper and paperboard and raw cotton increased sharply, suggesting factory output will rebound soon."

Northeast Asia held its position as the top destination for U.S. containerized exports, growing 12 percent year-over-year to 459,713 TEUs, or 45.3 percent of total export volume. Exports to the Caribbean climbed an impressive 49 percent and shipments to North Europe surprised with a rebound of 19 percent or 21,638 TEUs. Mediterranean volumes, however, fell 18 percent or 9,236 TEUs.

More of Moreno's trade and economic analysis can be found on his blog or by following on Twitter @MarioMoreno_JoC.

To become a member of The Journal of Commerce click here. Only JOC members get full access to all content and data on www.joc.com, access to the information needed to fully understand all the issues facing trucking, rail and maritime transportation. In addition, members get the weekly magazine, special reports, free webinars, the JOC mobile app, the JOC Daily Newswire and discounts to all JOC conferences and events. Members enjoy access to "By the Numbers," an exclusive weekly compilation of key industry statistics that provides detailed views of current market trends across all modes. Regular market intelligence reports -- utilizing PIERS trade data -- include Top 100 Imports and Exporters, quarterly Top 40 Container lines, Trans-Pacific and Trans-Atlantic Maritime Forecasts and Top Container Ports and Terminals. Market-sector supplements, including Breakbulk, Cool Cargoes, 3PL, JOC Guide to Trucking and others, ensure all modes are comprehensively covered.


About PIERS -- PIERS is the most comprehensive database of U.S. waterborne trade activity in the world providing information services to thousands of subscribers globally. Launched more than 35 years ago, PIERS was the first venture in digital global trade intelligence and quickly became the industry standard for accuracy, reliability and insight. Our unique infrastructure and proprietary technology allow us to not only publish import data but also complete coverage of U.S. export transactional data. PIERS is a division of UBM Global Trade, and a sister company of The Journal of Commerce. For more information, visit www.piers.com, or call 800-952-3839 (+1-973-776-8660).

About UBM Global Trade -- UBM Global Trade is the leading provider of proprietary data, news, business intelligence and analytical content supporting commercial maritime, rail, trucking, warehousing and logistics industries worldwide. The company's portfolio of more than 100 online, print and interactive workflow business solutions includes The Journal of Commerce, Breakbulk, RailResource, PIERS and an array of international trade and transportation databases and directories. UBM Global Trade, a subsidiary of UBM plc, is headquartered in Newark, NJ, with offices throughout the United States. For more information, explore www.ubmglobaltrade.com or call 800-223-0243 (+1-973-776-8660 outside the U.S. or Canada).

* All content is copyrighted by Industry Intelligence, or the original respective author or source. You may not recirculate, redistrubte or publish the analysis and presentation included in the service without Industry Intelligence's prior written consent. Please review our terms of use.