Moody’s: Stable 2016 outlook for US ports

Expectations of continued economic growth and a steady rise in US container volumes mean the outlook for the US ports industry is stable for 2016 according to credit rating agency Moody’s.

Moody’s analyst Moses Kopmar said: “We expect US container volume to grow 3% to 4% in 2016. Although weaker global demand and a strong US dollar have weakened export activity, the US is a net importer with an improving economy, which we believe will support US consumption and drive cargo demand at US ports.”

The US-based firm’s macroeconomic board expects the US economy will grow 2% to 3% in in 2015 and 2016, and US container volume typically tracks closely with economic growth.