Container handling through Mexico’s ports jumped by 17.8% on a year earlier in September, official data shows. That was the fastest rate of growth since December, and makes the 15th straight month of expansion. While led by a 30.8% increase in empty container handling, full container shipments also continued their double digit growth at 13.2%. The gulf coast ports, which grew by 18.9%, modestly outpaced the Pacific ports. That’s remarkable given the natural disaster impacts earlier in the month, as outlined in Panjiva research of October 3.

Chart shows shipments of containers on import and export basis, segmented by coast of port. Calculations based on Mexican Communication and Transport Ministry data. Source: Panjiva

Among the major ports Altamira’s import growth of 17.5% was notable, Panjiva data shows, as a result of rapid growth in the steel industry. Neighboring Tampico saw a similar trend, with imports growing by 20.5%. By contrast the worst performer was Lazaro Cardenas, which experienced a 24.1% drop in exports due to lower steel shipments.

Chart shows aggregate Mexican imports and exports of containerized freight segmented by port of lading / unlading for most recent month vs. a year earlier. Bubble size indicates total handling. Source: Panjiva