Charleston volume up 18%

“Charleston is back on track and this growth is very encouraging,” said Jim Newsome, SCSPA’s president and CEO, who noted that two new Asia shipping services began earlier this year. He added that a number of specific cargo development initiatives are also paying dividends.

Several major industry expansions in the state are expected to generate new port business in the coming months, including BMW’s newest X3 assembly line and TBC/Tire Kingdom’s new distribution centre near the port.

“US indicators are somewhat trailing the Asian economies, particularly China, which is posting considerably stronger growth, perhaps pointing to a de-coupling of these markets. We are approaching the end of double-digit increases but the longer-term outlook for this region and Charleston is very bright,” remarked Newsome.