The conclusion of 2023 saw robust performance for the Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA), as both international imports and exports marked their fourth consecutive month of volume growth.
Looking at the overall annual performance, 2023 volumes saw a 12.1% decline compared to 2022, amounting to 2,974,416 TEUs. Full imports for the year decreased by 13.7%, contrasting with a 4.9% growth in full exports.
On the domestic front, container volume showed a modest increase of 0.4% in 2023 compared to 2022. Alaska experienced a positive trend with a 3.4% increase in volumes, whereas Hawaii witnessed a decline of 12.3%.
In December 2023, container volumes totalled 263,171 TEUs, reflecting a substantial 13.5% increase over the same period in 2022. Full imports for the month experienced a 3.4% uptick, while full exports surged by an impressive 44.6% compared to the previous year’s same month.
NWSA, the partnership between the ports of Tacoma and Seattle, said it strives to prepare terminal infrastructure and capacity for improved market conditions, while efforts are also underway to meet emissions reduction goals. The alliance remains committed to ensuring readiness for future challenges and opportunities in the dynamic maritime landscape.
