April container shipments through the Port of Charleston jumped 28.5 percent from last year, according to a recent press release.
Both imports and exports showed significant increases over the same month last year and against the previous month. April was the fourth straight month of year-over-year container volume increases for the Port of Charleston, which has enjoyed the return of business at an increasing pace.
"Exports have been leading the way lately, and now imports are coming back as well," said Jim Newsome, president and CEO of the SCSPA. Loaded export containers were up 38.1 percent in April from the same month in 2009, and loaded imports increased 25.1 percent. "Import growth is a very positive indicator and one that we'll watch very closely in the coming months," Newsome said.
"With many ships calling Charleston last port outbound before sailing overseas, this is a natural port for export cargoes," said Newsome. "Ships can actually sail from Charleston drawing up to 48 feet, a huge advantage for ocean carriers and US exporters. Now, with an expanding distribution and warehousing base, Charleston's powerful role in the import network is being discovered."
April was Charleston's strongest month for container volume in nearly a year and a half. In addition to the increase when compared to last year, April container volume was up 3.8 percent from the month prior.