Containerized import volume to the U.S. swelled at many major ports in May from April as retailers sought to outrun potential port disruption ahead of the July 1 expiration of a key West Coast port labor contract, according to port officials and maritime experts.
Several thorny contract issues remain, observers said, and importing retailers were eager to bring their Asian-made consumer goods in ahead of the summertime talks, which, if rocky, could theoretically lead to a strike, lockout or work slowdowns. East Coast ports could benefit from some cargo diversions in May and beyond, maritime professionals said.
Meanwhile, improved consumer sentiment and economic growth following a long, brutal winter also lifted May import volumes, port officials said.