Tacoma volumes reflect global economic conditions

Despite this drop the port fared better than other US West Coast ports, which saw container cargo decline by and average of 8.78%. Overall figures for Tacoma showed total tonnage was up 3.6% to 20.3m tonnes, with grain showing the only increase at 13.6%, whilst break-bulks declined 4.1%, motor vehicles by 9.1% and intermodal lifts recording the largest decline at 15.2%.

Although cargo volumes declined the Port’s financial performance remained strong, closing 2008 with US$99.1m operating revenue, a 1.3% increase over the 2007 performance, according to Port of Tacoma deputy executive director, John Wolfe.

Port of Tacoma Commission President, Clare Petrich, said the Port of Tacoma was working to plan and build the facilities and infrastructure that will be needed to keep the port competitive in the future.