InTech Aerospace Makes Technology Investments, Expands Facilities For More Customer Services

HOUSTON — April 6, 2019 —  InTech Aerospace LLC, a long-standing aviation technical services firm specialized in commercial and government airplane interiors and components, has expanded its main MRO facility near George Bush Int’l. Airport, and has added even more technology improvements to its capacities. Scott Mowery, InTech’s COO, said: “We practice lean principles and program management disciplines for work efficiency and cost effectiveness. Our recent expansions and investments are direct responses to customers’ expectations.” InTech’s goal is to do more interiors projects for its airline, MRO, government, and leasing clients. InTech is certified to AS-9110(C) quality standards, and in the past year won the FAA’s Diamond Award for training.

InTech Aerospace announces these technology and facility improvements on the eve of “MRO-Americas,” the industry’s largest trade show serving the aviation MRO market. InTech Aerospace has teams of highly experienced craftspeople and FAA-licensed aircraft technicians that repair and overhaul virtually everything inside the cabin of an aircraft, including seats, leathers, fabrics, plastics, composites, galleys, lavatories, floor panels, sidewalls, overheads, and everything in between. Commencing in 2017 and continuing throughout 2018, InTech increased its facility size to over 60,000 sq. ft., adding shops and skilled personnel for higher levels of customer throughput.

Over and above the many capabilities that InTech has built-up over decades of experience, it has further invested recently in:

  • Powder Coating: More OEM’s are using powder coating for more durable finishes, so InTech is matching that capability for repairs and refurbishments.
  • Thermo-Forming: InTech’s expanded its thermoforming capabilities with new, larger equipment, providing for larger, deeper drawn products and more efficient production runs.
  • Engineering/DER Support: More adjunct staffing is now available so InTech can provide engineered and DER-approved repair solutions for customers.
  • Build-to-Print: Component repairs often require detailed form, fit, and finish machining. InTech has added more build-to-print assets and trained personnel.
  • 3-D Printing: Interiors MRO lends itself to 3-D printing and modeling for small production parts.

As a business strategy, InTech Aerospace will continuously invest in technology that keeps the company at the leading edge, alongside its customers. InTech’s institutional majority owners have substantial capital resources to keep fueling growth and improvements.

InTech Aerospace is poised for continued growth as commercial airlines fleets keep expanding. Interior retrofits are a recurring requirement as airplanes age, and as planes occasionally change hands among lessors and airlines.

Posted April 8, 2019

Source: Ranger Aerospace

Green Science Alliance Developed 100-Percent Nature Derived Material-Based Biodegradable Plastic, With Plant Itself Such As Wood, Waste Wood or Bamboo

KAWANISHI, Japan — April 8, 2019 — Human population explosion has caused serious environmental problem. Especially plastic pollution problem is getting severe in the world and the microplastic problem in the marine environment is becoming a devastating issue. At the moment, it is said that over 150 million tons of plastic garbage exists in the ocean.

It is predicted that the amount of plastic garbage will be more than that of fish in the world by 2050. There are also some scientific reports that these microplastics are already in our human body. Therefore, plastic recycling, reduction of plastic usage itself, and biodegradable plastic usage and development, have been intensively challenged and carried out.

In this regard, Dr. Ryohei Mori at Green Science Alliance Co. Ltd. has developed 100-percent nature derived material based biodegradable plastic with plant Itself such as wood, waste wood, bamboo, etc. He clings to the idea of making biodegradable material with 100-percent nature derived materials. No petroleum origin materials. The company has also developed starch based biodegradable plastic and recycle paper based biodegradable plastic, with 100% nature derived materials recently. This time, Green Science Alliance has succeeded in using plant itself as raw material for biodegradable plastic. Bamboo is one of the fast-growing plants in Japan and Asian region and have been a problematic issue how to utilize them. So that this new material could be one of the answers to solve this fast-growing bamboo problem. It should be noted that this new technology should be useful to all type of plant materials and not only for bamboo. As such, Dr. Mori sticks to the idea of making biodegradable material as harmless as possible to the environment.

On top of that, Green Science Alliance already had nano cellulose composite technology with various type of plastic including biodegradable plastic so that they can increase the mechanical strength while keeping not to use petroleum origin materials because nano cellulose is also the natural material.

Green Science Alliance will start small sample production and at the same time, keep improving plastic properties such as mechanical strength, heat durability and dimensional stability.  In addition, they will attempt to make cutlery with this wood-based material, with their company own brand “Nano Sakura.”

Posted April 8, 2019

Source: Green Science Alliance Co.

The Future Is Reusable: Standard Textile Debuts SurgiTex™ – Surgical Textile Solutions

CINCINNATI — April 8, 2019 — Standard Textile announces the launch of SurgiTex™ – Surgical Textile Solutions, which will debut to attendees at the AORN Global Surgical Conference & Expo in Nashville on April 6-10, 2019.

SurgiTex is a comprehensive program to help healthcare facilities realize the maximum benefits of reusable surgical products. Compared to disposable products, reusable linens offer research-supported1 energy, water, carbon footprint, waste, and instrument recovery savings, as well as improved comfort and protective properties. Research has shown that when comparing cost, comfort, and barrier protection, reusable items had a comparable or superior ranking to 
disposables.1

According to published research, healthcare facilities are the second highest contributor of environmental waste in the United States. The healthcare industry produces more than 6,600 tons of waste each day, which adds up to over four billion pounds of waste annually.2,3  Operating rooms are estimated to generate between 20% and 33% of the total waste produced in hospitals.4,5

“One of the greatest challenges we face as healthcare providers in Perioperative Services is moving toward a more sustainable, environmentally responsible culture,” stated Peg Fox, National Director of Surgical Services (MSN, BSN, RN) at Standard Textile. “We rely on evidence-based data and guidance from professional organizations like the Association of Perioperative Nursing to transition to more sustainable surgical practices.”

“We are excited about the recent hiring of Peg Fox, who has an extensive perioperative background in large health systems in Chicago and in the greater Cincinnati marketplace, and who has utilized both reusable and disposable surgical products,” said John Wintz, group vice president at Standard Textile. “Peg and her team are taking a very logical approach to assist healthcare facilities determine the cost effectiveness of reusable surgical textiles as part of a solution in making the OR arena more cost effective, safe, and sustainable.”

Standard Textile has a long history of servicing the healthcare industry and has developed a reputation for its consultative approach to understanding a facility’s business objectives to create innovative solutions that result in quantifiable savings. The SurgiTex system demonstrates the company’s consultative approach. A team of engineers, clinicians, and technical processing experts team together to collect data, analyze costs, and conduct trials. Implementation of SurgiTex consists of staff and clinical training and support as well as quarterly program reviews and quantitative reporting.

“The amount of waste generated in an operating room can be a daunting problem to solve, and I learned it cannot be solved alone,” said Fox. “SurgiTex was conceptualized to help nurses, physicians, material management, and other partners reduce waste, decrease costs, and provide quality care in the safest environment for our patients and healthcare providers.”

1 Conrardy J, Hillanbrand M, Myers S, Nussbaum G.F. (2010). Reducing Medical Waste. AORN Journal,91,717-18. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aorn2009.12.029

2 DiConsiglio J. Reprocessing SUDs reduces waste, costs. Mater Manag Health Care. 2008;(9)40. PMID: 18972859.

3 Gaskill M. Going green–RNs tackle hospital waste. Nurse Week. 2006. http://www.premiersafetyinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Going-Green-RN-Tackle-2006.doc. Accessed October 31, 2018.

4 Kwakye G, Brat GA, Makary MA. Green surgical practices for health care. Arch Surg. 2011;146(2):131-6.n. DOI: 10.1001/archsurg.2010.343.

5 Kagoma Y, Stall N, Rubinstein E, Naudie D. People, planet and profits: the case for greening operating rooms. Can Med Assoc J.2012;184(17):1905-11. DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.112139.

Posted April 8, 2019

Source: Standard Textile

Chip Foster Of Chip & Pepper Jeans Announces Release Of New Apparel Brand, Lake Of The Woods Club

LOS ANGELES — April 8, 2019 — Chip Foster, co-founder of Chip & Pepper Jeans, announced this morning the release of his new apparel company, Lake of The Woods Club. The Canadian-launched clothing brand uses 100-percent U.S. cotton for their pieces, and is made entirely in Los Angeles.

After travelling the world extensively, Chip wanted to return to his roots and create a collection that would capture the lake life of his childhood. “Creating a brand that meant something to me personally became most important. The brand represents my youth and the manufacturing is done in LA, my home – the best in the world when it comes to apparel production,” stated Foster. “With this collection, I’m striving to connect with people on a level beyond what most apparel brands achieve: A meaningful relationship where loyalty is everything.”

Foster, who co-founded Chip & Pepper Jeans with his twin brother Pepper, has dressed celebrities such as Hailey Baldwin, Beyoncé, Heidi Klum, Matthew McConaughey, and many more have been seen wearing the Chip Foster brand. The upcoming collection consists of T-shirts, hoodies, and long-sleeve T-shirts in a variety of colors, as well as old-school Chip & Pepper style tie-dye, with prices ranging from $42 to $144.

Lake of the Woods Club’s first drop is scheduled for April 8th, with a limited exclusive run available online only at LakeOfTheWoodsClub.com

Lake of The Woods Club, founded in 2019, is a basics apparel manufacturer and distributor.  Founded by Chip Foster, a well-established figure in American garment manufacturing, they are well known for their T-shirts, long sleeves, and hoodies. Their warehouse is on site at their South Central LA headquarters, making same day shipping possible.  Customer orders are also available.

Posted April 8, 2019

Source: Lake of The Woods Club

Be A Part Of Menswear History In A Modern Tuxedo From Paul Stuart

NEW YORK CITY — April 8, 2019 — For over 100 years, the tuxedo has been the ideal suit for formal occasions, weddings, and celebrations. The evening suit, an important part of fashion history, was first introduced into men’s wardrobes when it was worn by a wealthy businessman in 1886 at a celebratory occasion in Tuxedo Park, N.Y.

The dinner jacket, as it is often referred to, offers a great canvas for a multitude of customization options. For the groom, it offers him a way to personalize his wedding party and outfit his groomsman with a wide range of accessories. If the wearer has served in the military, this is the perfect place for custom buttons and insignias. Stylish men can add also add a vest or braces. Even the shirts offer options for personalization. The wearer can choose amongst a number of collar styles and a plain or detailed bib front. Paul Stuart’s Creative Director Ralph Auriemma comments, “The only recommendation we make when our customers come in for a tuxedo is to stick with a white shirt, there’s nothing more classic, after that, they can have as much fun as they want to while customizing their suit.”

Paul Stuart offers tuxedos in a wide range of materials. From the classic English wool and cashmere blend to new for spring, a denim evening jacket with a satin lapel. The new in-store CustomLAB offers men the opportunity to design their own unique tux with a wide choice of materials, trims, threads and mother of pearl or grosgrain covered buttons to choose from. For an elegant silhouette, all of the tuxedo fabrics are steam pressed rather than ironed before being cut. The tailoring that goes into the construction of each suit includes a hand-set collar and sleeves. The trousers feature a hand-pleated waistband, a tailoring detail that stretches back to the 1920s, for a comfortable fit.

Like any tailored garment, a well-made tuxedo is a worthwhile investment that can be happily worn for years if not decades. Auriemma concludes, “The tux persists today as a sartorial tradition because there is an elegance and power to it. A quality tuxedo, that fits like a glove, makes every man wearing it look amazing. An integral part of a well-dressed man’s wardrobe for over 100 years, a man in an evening suit is automatically part of menswear history.”

About Paul Stuart:

Headquartered in New York City, Paul Stuart, Inc. was founded by Ralph Ostrove and named for his son Paul Stuart Ostrove, has remained in its original location since opening in 1938. The company designs exclusive collections of men’s and women’s tailored clothing, sportswear and accessories. Politicians and celebrities have been shopping at Paul Stuart for over 50 years and include Jay Z, Alan Cummings, Spike Lee, Hugh Jackman and LL Cool J.

Additional stores are in Chicago on East Oak Street and LaSalle Street, and a third boutique in Washington, D.C.’s City Center shopping district. The company operates additional more than 40 locations throughout Japan and South Korea. Paul Stuart is privately held by the Mitsui company of Tokyo.

Posted April 8, 2019

Source: Paul Stuart

USTER Offers Multiple Resources For Understanding Quality Management From Fiber To Fabric

USTER, Switzerland— April 8, 2019 — In textiles, the two extremes of the market are poles apart — from mass-produced commodity products to big-brand specialties where only the highest standards of material and styling apply. In between these opposites, of course, there are many layers of complexity. What all these dimensions have in common is clear: a need for consistent quality from yarn and fabric producers. Today’s challenging market environment means quality is a sustainable competitive advantage, and Uster Technologies is the unique source of the know-how and systems needed to deliver it.

CEO Thomas Nasiou explains: “USTER has become a synonym for quality in textiles during the past seven decades. That is not just because of the `Think Quality´ slogan. Quality is in everything we do, every day. And that not only includes our engineers and product developers, but the entire staff — more than 600 employees worldwide.”

Quality know-how via mobile app

An example of a really positive experience of this quality know-how comes when USTER’s technologists visit a mill to carry out an audit for USTERIZED® re-certification. Mills always appreciate their expertise and advice, which helps them make the best use of their investments, as well as sharpen their processes for consistent and maximum value.

The Uster service technicians also bring a fund of knowledge, and are always glad to pass on maintenance tips, helping customers get the best out of their Uster equipment. Exclusively, Uster customers benefit from a direct line to expert know-how.

Another way – and it’s not only for customers — to access Uster experience and knowledge is through the Uster NEWS BULLETINS — almost like technical textbooks — which have been circulating valuable information for many decades. The Uster News Bulletin No. 50 (www.uster.com/unb50), for example, focuses on ‘managing a spinning mill with quality in mind’. It takes readers through all the stages of yarn production, with insights and recommendations for process optimization, as well as providing clear visualizations and lists of key quality indicators and checkpoints.

The latest edition, Uster News Bulletin No. 51 (www.uster.com/unb51), was published alongside the release of Uster STATISTICS 2018. It highlights the changes since the previous edition of Uster Statistics, with suggested reasons for the changes and trend analyses. Other chapters introduce the new characteristics of Uster Statistics 2018 and explain their use, with practical guidance for readers.

Now, Uster know-how is also available via an app for smartphones and mobile devices. The app, called Uster INSIGHTS, gives access to product information, textile knowledge and corporate news, anytime, anywhere. Anyone with an interest in textile quality is recommended to download it free of charge from the usual app stores.

Quality know-how for practical benefits

The inspiration for the first Uster Statistics in the early 1950 was the wish by spinners to know about the quality of their own yarns and those of other spinners. Started as a two-page list in 1957, it quickly developed into the unique global benchmarking tool which today is the basis for trading textile products at assured quality levels, across global markets. Any professional in the fiber, yarn and fabric business can benefit, since the benchmarks are excellent indicators of quality throughout the textile chain. The full range of quality levels is covered, as the Uster Statistics Percentile (USP™) figures indicate parameters for the 5%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 95% level. Knowing the quality level of the yarn is essential for its production, further optimal use and finally its value.

The latest release is available as an app, meeting the industry’s mobile requirements. The app’s knowledge base – in 11 languages – is quickly accessible any time, even if no internet connection is available. Uster News Bulletins are also translated into several languages, making knowledge as widely accessible as possible.

For anyone wishing to join the Uster Statistics community, there are Uster Statistics tutorial videos for beginners available on Uster’s YouTube channel.

Starting with the right mindset

Thomas Nasiou emphasizes the importance of a shared quality mindset, as Uster engages with customers in their quest for sustainable product and process optimization: “Uster Technologies is a leading provider of textile quality measurement and management systems and services. That’s our passion. We want the textile world to realize that quality is a success factor,” he says.

For everyone, the starting point to quality-consciousness is knowledge of the many different ways it can be beneficial. Uster makes it easy to get into quality management, with a range of different tools and know-how sources to make the first step on this road — the rest falls into place naturally.

“A good start would be meeting Uster experts at the forthcoming Saigontex 2019 event,” says Nasiou. “Visitors are welcome to pester us with all the challenges they may have!”

At Saigontex (April 10 to 13), Uster can be found at booth 1K-1 and 1M-3. Free copies of the Vietnamese versions of Uster News Bulletins No. 50 and No. 51 will be available there.

Posted April 8, 2019

Source: Uster Technologies AG

Techtextil 2019 Exhibitor Preview: Jowat

DETMOLD, Germany — April 8, 2019 — “Space for Innovation” – In line with the headline of this year’s Techtextil, the adhesives specialist from Detmold will be launching its all-purpose PUR hot melt adhesive for the automotive and textile industries. The product of the Jowatherm-Reaktant® MR series has a reduced monomer content and is therefore not subject to special labelling under GHS.

In the centenary year of the enterprise’s foundation, Jowat will be putting the spotlight on innovative PUR hot melt adhesives for the automotive and textile industries at the Techtextil trade fair. The latest highlight in the adhesives manufacturer’s product range is a PUR “all-rounder” especially suited for laminating automotive interior parts, which is not subject to classified chemical labelling under GHS. Jowat is thus responding to the growing demand in the automotive industry for all-purpose adhesives that can be used in the manufacture of laminated interior parts and that do not have to be declared as hazardous material. The product once more demonstrates the company’s leading expertise in PUR technology.

The latest adhesive from the Jowatherm-Reaktant® MR series, which comprises a comprehensive portfolio of monomer-reduced PUR hot melts, also impresses due to benefits like a high green strength, low creep tendency, and advantageous VOC and FOG values. The adhesive can be applied by all established methods, especially by spraying.

Jowat supplies bonding technologies for all relevant lamination procedures in the automotive and textile industries. In addition, the enterprise prides itself in close customer contact and a strong dependability in the supply chain for maximum efficiency and process reliability, facilitated by the production of PUR-based adhesives in its own global manufacturing locations in America, Asia, and Europe.

For 100 years, the globally active adhesives specialist from Detmold has systematically and successfully been building on an impressive product diversity, deep industrial understanding, and comprehensive service in all things adhesive. You can find Jowat under the anniversary headline “Our word is our bond – since 1919” at Techtextil in Frankfurt-am-Main, hall 3.0, booth H89, 14 to 17 May.

Posted April 8, 2019

Source: Jowat SE

DuPont Sustainable Solutions Launches Environment Matters Training Series

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — April 8, 2019 — DuPont Sustainable Solutions has launched a new training series, Environment Matters, which presents straight-forward overviews of major environmental regulations.

“The format of Environment Matters is based on the success of our Safety Matters series,” said Chris Scaglione, product manager, Learning & Development, DuPont Sustainable Solutions. “Safety Matters discusses core safety topics in 10 minutes or less. This innovative approach was created to help organizations meet the demands of the changing workplace. Our goal was to provide concise training without sacrificing quality, and we were pleased with the reception of Safety Matters. We’re now bringing its proven approach to training on environmental protection.”

The Environment Matters series consists of five programs:

  • Environment Matters: Environmental Awareness discusses several laws that cover the EPA’s four main focus areas – air quality, water quality, waste materials and emergency planning, chemical safety and use – and shows why each is important to human health and the environment. The program covers eight regulations, including CERCLA, EPCRA, TSCA and FIFRA.
  • Environment Matters: RCRA – Small Quantity Generator explains how the EPA’s Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) applies to the operations of Small Quantity Generators. It delivers an overview of the requirements for the safe handling of hazardous waste, from production to disposal.
  • Environment Matters: Stormwater Runoff describes what stormwater runoff is and the serious problems it creates. It provides best management practices (BMPs) and standard operating procedures (SOPs) that facilities and individuals can implement to help manage this issue.
  • Environment Matters: RCRA – Large Quantity Generators examines how the EPA’s Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) covers the operations of Large Quantity Generators. It delivers an overview of the provisions for the safe handling of hazardous waste, from production to disposal.
  • Environment Matters: SPCC discusses the major parts of the SPCC regulation and identifies safe work practices to help minimize the risk of an oil spill. It outlines the three major components of the formal written plan, and shows how organizations can prevent, manage and respond to oil spills.

The programs run between 8 to 13 minutes and add flexibility to content delivery, introducing new hires to environmental laws while also providing refresher training for veteran employees. Formats available include DVD, USB and e-learning. Bite-sized microlearning courses on these topics are also available.

Visit www.training.dupont.com for free online previews of these programs.

Posted April 8, 2019

Source: DuPont Sustainable Solutions (DSS), a DowDuPont Specialty Products Division business

OUTLOOK™ Plus Latin America 2019 Announces Final Program: Nonwoven, Personal Care, Hygiene, Filtration & Medical Industry Expert Speakers Convene São Paulo, Brazil, May 7-9

CARY, N.C./BRUSSELS — April 8, 2019 — The two global nonwoven trade associations, EDANA and INDA, announce the program of speakers and topics for OUTLOOK™ Plus Latin America to be held in São Paulo, 7-9 May 2019.

The third edition of this unique three-day networking conference and exhibition will examine the latest regional developments in the nonwoven personal care and absorbent hygiene sectors. The third day will focus on nonwoven filtration media and nonwoven medical products.

The first two days of the conference and tabletop display exhibition offer an overview of the Latin American hygiene nonwoven markets, and feature presentations on private/retail brand labels, product design & challenges, sustainability and new materials & technologies.

Keynote presenter, Dr. Welber Barral, chairman of the Brazil Industries Coalition and former Brazilian Secretary of Foreign Trade, opens the conference with a presentation on the country’s economy, reviewing the risks and the opportunities and economic and political prospects.

Day 2 will kick off with a second keynote speech on trends and opportunities in the disposable hygiene market by Rafael Pellegrini, Research Analyst at Euromonitor International.

The program includes presentations from the following global and regional companies:

May 7-8, nonwoven hygiene and personal care products

  • Colquimica (Portugal);
  • CVS (Brazil);
  • EDANA (Belgium);
  • Evonik (Germany);
  • ExxonMobil Química (Brazil);
  • F.biz (Brazil);
  • Fitesa (Germany);
  • GPA – EXTRA (Brazil);
  • Kimberly-Clark (Brazil);
  • Nielsen (Brazil);
  • Ontex (Brazil);
  • Organica (Brazil);
  • Richer Investment & Diaper Testing International (Mexico & USA);
  • Suzano (Brazil);
  • SynTouch Inc. (USA);
  • Tredegar (Brazil); and
  • VELCRO (United Kingdom).

May 9, medical & filtration

  • Ahlstrom-Munksjo (Brazil);
  • Hollingsworth & Vose (USA);
  • Braskem (Brazil);
  • Fibertex Nonwovens A/S (Denmark);
  • Lydall Performance Materials (USA); and
  • Centexbel (Belgium).

“This third edition of the OUTLOOK Plus Latin America conference highlights the opportunities and potential for growth across the Latin American nonwovens industry, particularly for the personal care industries. In organizing this conference, we are keen to offer a program that addresses both retail and marketing aspects as well as product design considerations that are key to understand the Latin American nonwovens markets. The program also features important presentations on medical application and – for the very first time – filtration media, highlighting the opportunities into the Latin American nonwovens industry,” said Marines Lagemaat, technical director of EDANA.

“INDA is pleased to once again co-organize a major nonwovens conference in South America focused on nonwoven markets in South America.  For this edition, we have had outstanding support from ABINT, the Brazilian nonwovens organization, in developing a program consisting largely of Brazilian presenters on the markets there.  This will be a must-attend event for all elements of the nonwovens supply chain in South America, from raw material supplier to roll goods producer to the converters and brand owners,” said Dave Rousse, INDA President.

Besides high-level presentations, the program is designed to offer qualitative networking opportunities to participants including two receptions in the tabletop area.

Simultaneous translation is offered into Portuguese and Spanish during the conference.

For full program information including presentation highlights, conference and hotel registrations, visit: https://www.edana.org/education-events/conferences-and-symposia/event-detail/outlook-plus-latin-america-2019/

Posted April 8, 2019

Source: EDANA & INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

Retail Imports Rising Again As Summer Approaches

WASHINGTON — April 8, 2019 — With tariff increases delayed for the foreseeable future and the busy summer season approaching, imports at the nation’s major retail container ports are beginning to climb again, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

“Retailers are starting to stock up in anticipation of a strong summer,” NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold said. “Tariff increases are on hold and progress is being reported in talks between the United States and China, so the imports we’re seeing now are driven primarily by expectations for consumer demand.”

U.S. ports covered by Global Port Tracker handled 1.62 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units in February, the latest month for which after-the-fact numbers are available. That was down 14.3 percent from January and down 4 percent year-over-year. February is traditionally the slowest month of the year because of Lunar New Year factory shutdowns in Asia and the lull between retailers’ holiday and summer seasons. A TEU is one 20-foot-long cargo container or its equivalent.

March was estimated at 1.63 million TEU, up 5.9 percent year-over-year. April is forecast at 1.75 million TEU, up 6.9 percent; May at 1.9 million TEU, up 4 percent; June at 1.89 million TEU, up 2 percent; July at 1.96 million TEU, up 2.9 percent, and August at 1.97 million TEU, up 4.3 percent. The August number would be the highest since the record 2 million TEU set last October as retailers brought holiday merchandise into the country ahead of expected tariff increases.

Imports during 2018 set a new record of 21.8 million TEU, an increase of 6.2 percent over 2017’s previous record of 20.5 million TEU. The first half of 2019 is expected to total 10.7 million TEU, up 3.7 percent over the first half of 2018.

“The U.S. consumer, while more cautious, has not stopped spending,” Hackett Associates Founder Ben Hackett said. “The inventory-to-sales ratio, however, is on the rise. Part of this can be attributed to the heavy front-loading of imports ahead of expected tariff increases that took place in 2018.”

U.S. tariffs of 10 percent on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods that took effect last September were scheduled to rise to 25 percent in March, but the increase was postponed by President Trump, citing progress in talks between Washington and Beijing. The tariff increase has been put on hold indefinitely while the negotiations continue.

Global Port Tracker, which is produced for NRF by the consulting firm Hackett Associates, covers the U.S. ports of Los Angeles/Long Beach, Oakland, Seattle and Tacoma on the West Coast; New York/New Jersey, Port of Virginia, Charleston, Savannah, Port Everglades, Miami and Jacksonville on the East Coast, and Houston on the Gulf Coast. The report is free to NRF retail members, and subscription information is available at NRF.com/PortTracker

Posted April 8, 2019

Source: The National Retail Federation (NRF)

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