Supply Chain Research

Cargo handling through Port Houston climbed 13% in July vs. a year earlier due to a 15% rise in container handling and a 28% improvement in steel. The latter is notable in not having been curtailed by the Trump administration’s wide ranging duties. The improvement in container handling was driven by a 19% surge in imports with most of the major container lines benefiting. Looking ahead though widening tariffs on exports from China may trim the handling by COSCO Shipping (83% of inbound shipping from China) and CMA-CGM (38%). NAFTA negotiations may also be relevant given the importance of...