Port Houston reported a surge in cargo volumes during May 2024, with container handling and steel imports both notable highlights.
The port handled 364,866 teu during May 2024, a year-on-year increase of 21 percent over May 2023. From January through May a total of 1.76 million teu moved through the port’s two container terminals, a 14 percent increase compared to the same period of 2023.
Both imports and exports in and out of the port are up compared with May 2023, with the former up 18 percent and the latter up 21 percent. Steel imports at Port Houston’s multipurpose facilities increased tremendously in May, up 48 percent year on year, totalling 436,027 tons (395,557 tonnes). This was the best month for steel imports at the gateway since June 2023.
The port said that cargo volumes show no signs of slowing down despite any ongoing global supply chain disruptions. Construction of new warehouses and distribution centres the last two years and strong regional consumer spending have driven loaded import volumes, while robust manufacturing in Texas has pushed loaded exports.
