September U.S. Containerized Imports Fall 6 Percent From August as Retailers Restrain Inventories

NEWARK, N.J., Oct. 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. containerized import volume fell 6 percent in September from the month before as surging shipping of auto parts was not enough to offset growing pessimism among retailers about consumer demand heading into the holidays, according to figures from The Journal of Commerce/PIERS.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111031/NY96626 )

The September volume of 1,464,193 20-foot-equivalent units coming into the country was up a modest 1 percent from the same month a year ago, the first year-over-year gain after three straight months of decline. A 25 percent surge in parts to support the recovering automobile industry offset steep declines in consumer goods compared to September 2010, said Mario O. Moreno, economist for The Journal of Commerce/PIERS.

But imports fell 6 percent from August to September, and the disappointing numbers for such items as toys, apparel and home goods signaled retailers are restraining their inventory growth on the cusp of the holiday shopping season.

"Retailers' optimism from this time last year has faded, reflecting concerns around the reduction of disposable income nationwide, an uncertain job market and rising import costs from key-sourcing country China," Moreno said.

Toy imports were down 9 percent year-over-year, according to the JOC/PIERS figures. Also down were popular gift items such as women's and infant wear, sliding 11 percent, or 5,346 TEUs; computers, down 14 percent, or 4,100 TEUs; and menswear, down 8 percent or 2,387 TEUs. Furniture and soft home goods also declined 3 percent and 11 percent, respectively.  

The year-over-year climb to 54,190 TEUs made September 2011's second-highest month of auto parts imports. Solid gains were also seen in bananas, up 15 percent; miscellaneous metalware, up 20 percent; and miscellaneous electronic products, up 4 percent.

Compared to the same period in the previous year, total U.S. containerized imports were up 3.3 percent in September year to date and down 1.8 percent in the third quarter, which was in line with Moreno's previous forecasts. He predicts a 1 percent rise for the fourth quarter, with "auto parts continuing to post gains driven by a still growing, albeit slow, manufacturing sector and solid external demand."

For additional forecasts and full analyses of the JOC/PIERS findings on toys and pre-holiday shipment declines and September's imports report can be found at www.joc.com.

To become a member of The Journal of Commerce click here. JOC members have access to our weekly print and digital magazine and Web site, as well as a 10 percent discount on all JOC events and trade shows, UBM Global Trade Directories and select PIERS products. Authoritative editorial content in the form of daily news, weekly analysis and regular features ensure our members have the information and data necessary to understand the issues facing trucking, rail and maritime transportation. Members enjoy access to "By the Numbers," an exclusive weekly compilation of key industry statistics that provides detailed views of current market trends across all modes. Regular market intelligence reports -- utilizing PIERS trade data -- include Top 100 Imports and Exporters, quarterly Top 40 Container lines, Trans-Pacific and Trans-Atlantic Maritime Forecasts and Top Container Ports and Terminals. Market-sector supplements, including Breakbulk, Cool Cargoes, 3PL, JOC Guide to Trucking and others, ensure all modes are comprehensively covered. 

About PIERS -- PIERS is the most comprehensive database of U.S. waterborne trade activity in the world providing information services to thousands of subscribers globally. Launched more than 35 years ago, PIERS was the first venture in digital global trade intelligence and quickly became the industry standard for accuracy, reliability and insight. Our unique infrastructure and proprietary technology allow us to not only publish import data but also complete coverage of U.S. export transactional data. PIERS is a division of UBM Global Trade, and a sister company of The Journal of Commerce.  For more information, visit www.piers.com, or call 800-952-3839 (+1-973-776-8660).

About UBM Global Trade -- UBM Global Trade is the leading provider of proprietary data, news, business intelligence and analytical content supporting commercial maritime, rail, trucking, warehousing and logistics industries worldwide. The company's portfolio of more than 100 online, print and interactive workflow business solutions includes The Journal of Commerce, Breakbulk, RailResource, PIERS and an array of international trade and transportation databases and directories. UBM Global Trade, a subsidiary of UBM LLC, is headquartered in Newark, NJ, with offices throughout the United States. For more information, explore www.ubmglobaltrade.com or call 800-223-0243 (+1-973-848-7250 outside the U.S. or Canada).  

SOURCE The Journal of Commerce/PIERS