Q1 sees a solid finish with strong U.S.-bound import growth, notes S&P Global Market Intelligence

United States-bound containerized freight imports continued to trend in the right direction in March to end the first quarter, according to data recently issued by S&P Global Market Intelligence, with March growing for the seventh consecutive month, following a 14-month stretch of annual declines.

March imports, at 2.489 million TEU (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units), posted a 16% annual gain, and first quarter imports, at 7.537 million TEU, rose 15% annually, amid various supply chain disruptions.

Looking at the first quarter, the firm observed that growth was paced by industrial sector activity, ranging from steel to paper, for a collective 20% annual gain, whereas consumer goods shipments rose 8%, home and personal care was up 16%, and consumer electronics and apparel up 3% and 6%, respectively. 

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