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Savannah exports up 21% in January

[ March 1, 2023   //   ]

The Port of Savannah’s loaded container exports grew 21% in January. The nation’s busiest port for U.S. goods handled 110,305 TEUs of exports, an increase of 19,419 TEUs.
Compared to pre-pandemic numbers, the Port of Savannah’s January trade of 421,714 TEUs in total cargo showed 11.7% improvement over January 2020, in which GPA handled 377,671 TEUs.
U.S. exports were a bright spot for GPA last month, in which total cargo dipped 55,000 TEUs or 11.5% compared to January 2022. The decrease was fueled in part by reduced orders in retail and manufacturing, resulting in import loads softening by 39,850 TEUs, or 16%. Similarly, the export of empty containers via Savannah declined 34,650 TEUs on reduced demand for Asian goods served by the empty boxes.
Weather also played a role, delaying six vessels slated to call Savannah in late January to the next month.
GPA Board Chairman Joel Wooten said the Authority is using the current reduction in traffic to make significant progress on infrastructure projects that will be needed as demand returns. “Being prepared to take advantage of opportunities as they arise requires steady leadership and an eye toward long-term trends,” Wooten said. “Our board’s commitment to constant infrastructure improvement, even during down times, means our customers have a ready partner in growth when they need to expand their Georgia operations.”

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