TSA predicts steady volume growth

Cargo volumes in the first half of 2007 were up by 7.1% from the same period a year earlier, reflecting a 6.3% increase in traffic to the West Coast and a 9.9% increase to the East Coast, said the TSA. Carriers are forecasting a continuation of current trends, with cargo growth of 7%–8% for the whole of 2007.

“While growth has moderated a bit, first half year-over-year growth remains healthy and we continue to hear from our customers that their projections for the balance of 2007 and into early 2008 are for the current growth trend to continue,” explained TSA chairman Ron Widdows.

“Specific importers and retailers may be seeing some softness in their sales, but at the same time others are experiencing robust growth. It is clearly too early to conclude to what extent recent volatility in the US financial markets will affect the trans-Pacific market. Based on current views, we do not see a situation developing that curtails growth to a material degree.”