|
Boxes dry up at NYNJ as trade falters
2009/3/25
Cargo volumes at the Port of New York-New Jersey (NYNJ) reported flat growth in container activity for the first time since 1993, the Port Authority reported today.
During 2008, the port handled 5.26 million loaded and empty TEUs compared to 5.30 million boxes in 2007. The agency said it expected this decreased activity to continue during 2009 as the full effect of the economic downturn was realised.
Over the long term, the agency said it continues to project cargo growth at NYNJ, and is making the necessary investments in ExpressRail and other infrastructure to support this growth.
Despite the challenging economic environment, the Port Authority''s port facilities continue to outperform other major ports in North America with container volume at the top 10 ports in North America declining by an average of five percent in 2008.
In addition, NYNJ reported that its US$246 million 2009 investment in the ports would help support more than 230,000 port jobs.
Port Authority chairman Anthony Coscia said after many years of rising container volumes, the port wasn''t accustomed to flat growth.
"Still, we''re pleased that we outperformed other major US ports and we''ll continue to invest heavily in our port – as a driver of job creation and economic recovery in the short-term, and to support our region''s long-term prosperity," he said.
Port Authority executive director Chris Ward said: "Now more than ever, we must work with our industry partners to improve our competitive position if we want to maintain the thousands of jobs and billions in economic activity that the port provides."
"At the same time, this is one more indication that the port authority is not recession-proof, and we are committed to making the necessary adjustments to our operating and capital budget to reflect economic reality."
Port Authority deputy executive director Susan Bass Levin said: "Fifteen straight years with increased activity at our port facilities is an impressive run, and despite this year''s flat growth we look optimistically to the future. "
"That''s why it is critical now, while we have the opportunity to create needed short-term jobs, to continue our investments in dredging, freight rail and upgrading roads to the terminals so our port is ready for the inevitable turnaround in global commerce."
Some 2008 trade highlights include:
- In 2008, the dollar value of all cargo handled in the port in 2008 exceeded $190 billion, a new annual record.
- The number of vehicles handled throughout the port in 2008, including small trucks, vans, SUVs and other personal vehicles, was 1,031,540, up 10.9 percent.
- The top five containerised import commodities by volume were furniture, women''s and infantware, beer and ale, menswear and plasticware.
- The top five containerised export commodities by volume were paper, automobiles, metal scrap, auto parts, and household goods.
- Imported general cargo commodities showing major growth by volume were cocoa, electrical machinery, stone/plaster/cement, and preserved foods.
- Exported general cargo commodities showing major growth by volume were vehicles, machinery, paper and paperboard and aluminum.
- The top five trading partners in general cargo tonnage were China, India, Italy, Germany and Brazil.
- The port''s top import trading partners in general cargo tonnage were China, Italy, India, Germany and Brazil.
- Top export trading partners in general cargo tonnage were China, India, Germany, United Kingdom and Brazil.
- There were 5,251 ship calls in the Port of New York and New Jersey in 2008, compared to 5,465 in 2007.
|
2009/3/25