Modest U.S. Containerized Import Growth Forecasted

Containerized goods imported into U.S. increased 7.3%, in March over 2011, modest growth forecast in second half

Driven by a surge in furniture and auto parts shipments to the U.S., containerized imports in Marchrose 7.3% over 2011. This increase to 1,373,301 20-foot equivalent units came on the heels of a 5.9 percent decline in February.

"Latest TEU data supports my view of very modest imports growth through the second half of the year," said Mario O. Moreno, economist for the 'Journal of Commerce'.  "Although the US economy is showing signs of deceleration, it will likely be momentary as the FED has made it clear it is prepared to do more if conditions worsen. Imports growth should regain speed in the second half of the year."

Imports from Asia for the first quarter barely rose 0.5 percent versus Moreno's forecast of 1 percent. On a country level, shipments from China showed the most gains, up 13 percent, or 66,681 TEUs, to a total of 579,181 TEUs. This sharp jump in shipments from China is mostly owed to an easier year-over-year comparison with March 2011 base as the 2012 Lunar New Year came early, Moreno said.