A recovery in auto manufacturing since the pandemic and pent-up consumer demand for automobiles contributed to strong December volumes at the Northwest Seaport Alliance.
Auto volumes at the ports of Seattle and Tacoma were 338,330 units in total during 2023, which is up 96% compared to 2022 volumes. The growth was fueled by GLOVIS America’s consolidation of its KIA and Hyundai business at the seaport and business from General Motors, according to a Jan. 22 press release.
The port also saw growth in other cargo types in December.
International cargo volumes at the ports also rose 10% year over year to 206,109 total TEUs last month, according to port data. Loaded exports reached their highest level since March 2021, with 67,622 TEUs handled. Meanwhile, loaded imports were up 3% year over year, and marked a fourth consecutive month of growth.
