Container volumes slip 3% at Port Houston despite export growth

Container volumes at Port Houston dropped by 3% in March, as weaker import demand outweighed a steady improvement in exports.

Loaded imports were down 12% in March, although loaded exports increased by 10% and empty import volumes jumped by 111%, as carriers repositioned containers to meet demand for resin and petrochemical products.

The port accounted for 59% of US resin exports last year and 73% of US petrochemical exports.