Port Houston closed November on pace for a record year, despite lower monthly volumes driven by seasonal and market factors.
The port handled 4.18 million short tonnes in November, down 15 per cent year-on-year (YoY), but total tonnage remains up 4 per cent year-to-date (YTD) at 50.38 million short tonnes.
Container volumes also softened during the month. TEU throughput at the public terminals fell 9 per cent to 335,275 TEUs. Loaded imports declined 12 per cent, while loaded exports slipped 2 per cent in November.
However, YTD exports remain strong, supported by resin and other Gulf Coast manufactured goods, with loaded exports up 8 per cent.
Through November, Port Houston has handled 3.97 million TEUs, a 5 per cent YTD increase that keeps the port on track for another record container year.
Activity at multipurpose facilities reflected similar trends. General cargo is down 4 per cent YTD, driven by weaker project and breakbulk volumes.
Steel tonnage also declined in November, contributing to a 6 per cent YTD decrease.
The broader Houston region continues to show economic momentum, supported by investment in industrial space and Foreign Trade Zone-ready real estate.
According to the Greater Houston Partnership, the current development pipeline includes 157 active projects, 54 per cent of which are tied to manufacturing and logistics infrastructure, representing $52.7 billion in capital investment.
Charlie Jenkins, CEO of Port Houston, said: “Houston is good for business, and the Houston Ship Channel is a major factor in that by connecting those businesses to the world, the number one waterway in the nation by far for good reason.
“We are actively supporting regional business growth by developing infrastructure at the public facilities and helping ensure the Houston Ship Channel is prepared to meet future needs.”
In October, Port Houston completed its portion of the Houston Ship Channel Expansion Project 11.
