In 2016, The Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) handled 3,615,752 TEUs (20-foot equivalent units) for the year, an increase of more than 2 percent from 2015 volumes.

Full imports for the year were up 6 percent to 1,391,590 TEUs and full exports increased 13 percent to 984,274 TEUs.

Domestic volumes saw a slight dip in 2016 as Alaska struggled with a decline in oil- and gas-related project activity due to low commodity prices. Domestic volumes decreased 1.5 percent for the year.

The Northwest Seaport Alliance 2016 container volumes reach 3.6 million, highest level since 2007

Image courtesy ot NWSA

December’s full import volumes recorded their highest for the month over the last five years. Following a solid November for full international imports and exports, The Northwest Seaport Alliance delivered another strong month in December with 14 percent and 6 percent increases, respectively, compared with December 2015.

Other cargo:

  • Breakbulk cargo is down 23 percent for the year to 181,372 metric tons as the global downturn in agricultural, mining and construction equipment, and a strong U.S. dollar impact volumes.
  • Log exports declined 25 percent for the year to 176,928 metric tons due to decreased demand in China and competition from New Zealand.
  • Autos units fell 10 percent to 165,687 units for year because of production issues as well as supply chain shifts. 

Image courtesy ot NWSA

View the December 2016 cargo reports:

Source: NWSA