PRELIMINARY statistics from the National Retail
Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates show that imports
through US major ports set a peak season record this summer and fall as
retailers stocked up for the holidays.
According to data from the groups' monthly Global
Port Tracker reportt US ports handled an estimated 8.1 million
TEU from July through October, a 6 per cent increase over last year and
higher than the previous peak-season record of 7.7 million TEU set in 2018.
NRF and Hackett estimate October imports at 2 million TEU,
up 6.5 per cent year on year, and are forecasting a slight increase in November
and a decline in imports for December. Despite the summer and fall gains, 2020
is expected to see an overall decline in imports, with an anticipated 3.4 per
cent drop to 20.5 million TEU - the lowest annual total since 2017, reports DC
Velocity of North Attleboro, Massachusetts, US.
Representatives from NRF and Hackett Associates said the
preliminary results are an encouraging sign for the retail economy as it
struggles to overcome this year's pandemic-related challenges.
"Part of this surge was fuelled by restocking after
retail sales rebounded this summer and part could be making sure there aren't
shortages if we see panic buying again," NRF vice president for
Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold said in a statement.
"The economic challenges of the pandemic aren't over
yet, but this clearly shows how an industry that has been under stress is
fighting back in a positive way. Retailers don't import merchandise they don't
think they can sell, so this is a good sign for the holiday season," Mr
Gold added.
Global Port Tracker provides historical data and forecasts
for the US ports of Los Angeles/Long Beach, Oakland, Seattle, and Tacoma on the
West Coast; New York/New Jersey, Port of Virginia, Charleston, Savannah, Port
Everglades, Miami, and Jacksonville on the East Coast; and Houston on the Gulf
Coast.
Source : HKSG.
Tidak ada komentar:
Posting Komentar