South Carolina Ports (SC Ports) handled 208,134 TEUs and 115,422 pier containers in July.
More specifically, imports flowing into the port of Charleston outperformed US volumes with a 12% increase from June and a 3% increase year-over-year. At the same time, exports were up 9% from last year. However, total container volume was down about 4% year-over-year in July, driven by lower exports of empty boxes.
SC Ports’ two rail-served inland ports continue to yield strong volumes, handling a combined 17,724 rail moves in July, which is a 55% increase year-over-year. Inland Port Dillon continues to break records, reporting a record July with 2,919 rail moves and Inland Port Greer had a strong month with 14,805 rail moves.
“Although overall volumes continue to reflect the tempered US economy, the Southeast is booming and the US East Coast port market continues to attract new cargo,” SC Ports president and CEO Barbara Melvin commented.
While manufacturing and retail remain down in the country, the Southeast market is thriving with an influx of new residents and industrial growth, while port-dependent companies are investing in manufacturing facilities, electric vehicle operations and retail distribution centers, according to SC Ports’ announcement.
Meanwhile, SC Ports has invested more than US$2 billion into port infrastructure and is currently building a US$400 million intermodal yard to provide near-port rail to the Port of Charleston.
