Container handling through Georgia Ports Authority facilities, including Savannah, climbed 12.0% on a year earlier in September, Panjiva analysis of official figures shows. That was largely down to a 17.7% surge in exports of loaded containers – the seventh straight month of double digit growth – which far outpaced the more modest 4.1% expansion in imports.

The port may have benefited from diversions of exports that would otherwise have gone via hurricane-afflicted ports such as Norfolk, which saw a 14.6% slump in exports as outlined in Panjiva research of October 18.

Chart segments change in container handling through Georgia’s ports by direction. Calculations include Georgia Ports Authority data.   Source: Panjiva

The slowdown in imports was mostly due to a 5.6% drop in shipments from China, Panjiva data shows, which followed a 21.1% surge in the prior three months. A further slowdown is likely given tariffs on Chinese exports were extended to cover $250 billion of products at the end of September vs. $50 billion at the end of August. Chinese exports accounted for 39.3% of Savannah’s inbound shipments in the past 12 months.

Chart segments seaborne imports to Savannah by origin.   Source: Panjiva

Among the major consumer goods importers, however, there was a step-up in use of the port for imports from China ahead of the major holiday shopping season. Target’s imports rose 242% and Home Depot’s by 245%, possibly reflecting continued early imports to ensure full stocking for the holiday season. Ikea by contrast saw a 26.2% decline and appliances maker Electrolux had a 55.2% drop, likely reflecting tariffs on its washing machines earlier in the year.

Chart segments seaborne imports to Savannah by consignee.   Source: Panjiva