Stäubli Textile In Tashkent: The Central Asian International Textile Machinery Exhibition – CAITME 2024

PFÄFFIKON, Switzerland — July 30, 2024 — One year after an exceptional iteration of ITMA 2023, during which we had the honor of welcoming the President of the Democratic Republic of Uzbekistan, Stäubli, is pleased to share with you our product range at CAITME in Tashkent from 11-14 September, at booth  F44-2 in the pavilion 4.

Stäubli’s cutting-edge weaving technology is invaluable to many industries, including fashion, home textiles, flooring, automotive, safety & protection, and manufacturing. Stäubli has been developing and producing high-quality systems for the weaving industry for over a century and holds a strong market position in textile machinery, a position earned through the continual pursuit of customer satisfaction.

Carpet weavers will discover about the extremely flexible ALPHA 580 UNIVERSAL carpet weaving machine, which enables carpet weavers to swiftly react to changing customer demands and market needs.

Visitors will discover how automated weaving preparation can optimize their overall process with:

  • Smooth weaving start-up thanks to the TIEPRO warp tying machine offering easy use and ensuring perfectly tied warps.
  • with SAFIR PRO automatic drawing-in machines, equipped with state-of-the-art AWC 2.0 technology, interpreting measured data through image processing and data analytics, using advanced algorithms and software and high-performance processors. AWC 2.0 gives mills expanded capabilities to produce innovative, outstanding, and unique designs.

Learn more about Stäubli’s renowned shedding solutions – including cam motions, dobbies, and the  Jacquard machine PRO series, featuring:

  • Dobby and cam motion ranges for high-speed operations. Our dobby ranges, combined with the new e32g transmission, are a must-have for frame-weaving mills that demand maximum productivity. The S3200 dobby machines feature a fully integrated cooling system with optimized and regulated thermal control, enhanced temperature management, a new lubrication system, and the capacity to handle heavier loads.
  • The Jacquard machines from our PRO range features the innovative MX PRO module, controlled by NOEMI electronics architecture and the TC8 controller. This energy-efficient Jacquard installation promises weavers outstanding reliability and ease of use.

Finally, thanks to continual and focused research, Stäubli is in the position today to offer weaving machines for all types of technical textiles, especially heavy industrial textiles and reinforcement fabrics for lightweight applications.

Posted: August 12, 2024

Source: Stäubli Group

VDMA Members To Participate In The Central Asian International Textile Machinery Exhibition – CAITME 2024

FRANKFURT, Germany — August 12, 2024 — CAITME, taking place from September 11-14, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, will see a strong participation of VDMA member companies. About 25 VDMA members will take part in the event. Among the numerous VDMA companies present at the trade fair with their own booth or through agents, 13 companies will be exhibiting in the area of the official German Pavilion, organized by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action and initiated by VDMA:

  • Brückner Textile Technologies
  • Erbatech
  • Georg Sahm
  • Groz-Beckert
  • Heusch
  • KARL MAYER STOLL Textilmaschinenfabrik
  • KURIS Spezialmaschinen
  • Lindauer DORNIER
  • Oerlikon Textile
  • Stäubli Bayreuth
  • STC Spinnzwirn
  • THIES
  • Xetma Vollenweider

At CAITME, VDMA member companies will showcase the most advanced technology for the textile sector. The exhibiting companies are at the forefront, especially in sustainability and digitisation of production processes.

With exports of textile machinery and accessories worth 85 million euros in 2023, Germany was once again the second biggest supplier to the Uzbek textile sector, surpassed only by China. Uzbekistan is one of the largest producers and exporters of cotton. In the cotton sector, Uzbekistan already has a fully integrated production chain. Almost the entire cotton fibre is spun in the country. The Uzbek government has pushed ahead with extensive economic reforms in recent years. The textile industry is one of the top investment sectors in the manufacturing industry. Besides cotton spinning, the textile sector is enlarging its capacities in the downstream production steps of the textile chain, such as fabric making, finishing and dyeing.

Dr. Harald Weber, managing director of the VDMA Textile Machinery Association, stated: “To compete globally in the textile industry, companies must prioritize technology updates. CAITME is a perfect platform to intensify the collaboration between our industry and the Uzbek textile sector and to set up new contacts.”

The German Pavilion will be located in Pavilion 4 of the Uzexpocentre in Tashkent. For more information, please check: https://caitme.german-pavilion.com/

Posted: August 12, 2024

Source: VDMA – German Textile Machinery Association

Rocket Lab Begins Installation Of Large Carbon Composite Rocket-Building Machine

LONG BEACH, Calif. — August 8, 2024 — Rocket Lab USA Inc., a global supplier of launch services and space systems, today announced it has begun installation of the largest automated fiber placement (AFP) machine of its kind into the Company’s Neutron rocket production line in Middle River, Md. The AFP machine will enable Rocket Lab to automate production of the largest carbon composite rocket structures in history.

Rocket Lab’s automated fiber placement machine which will build large composite structures for the Neutron rocket. Photo – Business Wire

The custom-built 99 ton (90 metric tons), 39 ft tall (12-meter) robotic machine, American-made by Electroimpact in Washington, has just completed final acceptance testing with the manufacturer and installation has begun at Rocket Lab’s Space Structures Complex in Middle River, Md. The new machine will automate the production of all large composite structures of the Neutron launch vehicle including the panels that make up the 91 ft (28 meter) length interstage and fairing, 22.9 ft (7 meter) diameter first stage, and the 16.4 ft (5 meter) diameter second stage tank.

The autonomous machine can move up to 98 ft (30 meters) in length and lay down continuous carbon fiber composite at a rate of 328 ft (100 meters) per minute. The AFP machine also has a fully automated real-time inspection system that hunts for miniscule defects throughout the laminated carbon composite and alerts the machine operator of any issues before the machine begins laying down the next layer, providing additional assurance that these critical structures of the launch vehicle meet Rocket Lab’s high-quality standards required for reusable Neutron launches.

As Neutron’s carbon composite structures move into full-scale production, this autonomous machine is expected to introduce significant time-savings of 150,000+ manufacturing hours into the production process.

Rocket Lab founder and CEO, Sir Peter Beck, said: “As we build the world’s largest carbon composite rocket, it makes sense that we require a world-first carbon composite fiber placement machine. We’re combining our proprietary flight-proven carbon composite technology, additive manufacturing, and autonomous robotics to design and build large-scale aerospace components at a pace that will support not only Neutron’s launch cadence, but support Electron and carbon composites structures for our spacecraft customers too. We worked closely with our excellent partners at Electroimpact to create this robot and we’re thrilled with the results. It’s an innovative machine producing a next-generation rocket from one of the birthplaces of the aerospace industry in Baltimore, and we can’t wait to see its first carbon composite printed panels come off the production line soon.”

The AFP machine will also be leveraged to print smaller carbon composite Neutron structures, first stages of Rocket Lab’s Electron launch vehicle, and other flight-proven carbon composite structures for space including spacecraft structural panels and assemblies, solar panel substrates, carbon composite tanks and primary structures, and custom projects for the aerospace industry.

Posted: August 12, 2024

Source: Rocket Lab USA, Inc.

Eco-Innovation In Textiles: Lindström Sustainability Report Sets New Industry Benchmarks

NEW DELHI — August 12, 2024 — Lindström India, a 100 percent subsidiary of the Finnish Lindström Oy, a global textile rental company offering workwear and cleanroom services in India, has announced the key highlights from its comprehensive Sustainability Report 2023. This detailed report outlines innovative strategies and practices that significantly reduce environmental impact while promoting circular economy principles in textile production and management.

The report addresses critical environmental challenges and proposes innovative solutions to reduce the ecological footprint of textile manufacturing. Key highlights include optimizing water and energy use, minimizing waste through recycling and reuse, sourcing raw materials responsibly, and introducing cutting-edge technologies to support sustainable practices.

Key Highlights of the Report:

  1. Circular Economy in Action: Lindström India has successfully avoided millions of kilograms of unnecessary textile production through its robust repair and reuse programs. Demonstrating a tangible commitment to sustainability, Lindström at the Group level repaired 4.5 million pieces of workwear and 4.8 million pieces of  textiles.
  2. On-Demand Production: The report showcases Lindström’s unique Prodem facilities, located in Navi Mumbai, which serve the whole country. In 2023, these facilities produced 237,086 pieces on demand. This customer-driven textile manufacturing practice minimizes overproduction, reduces waste, and improves cost efficiency.
  3. Resource Conservation: Lindström has optimized water and energy use in its laundries, as well as customer delivery routes, significantly reducing its environmental footprint. The company recycles water and utilises heat from wastewater in its washing processes.
  4. End-of-Life Solutions: The report details Lindström’s efforts in recycling end-of-life textiles into new products or raw materials, further closing the loop in textile production. In India, 100 percent of textile waste is recycled, showcasing the country’s commitment to sustainability.
  5. Impressive Statistics:
    • 44 percent reduction in emissions achieved by doubling the wear time of garments.
    • 2.2 kg CO2 avoided per person annually by using reusable garments.
    • 9 months longer lifespan of textiles equals 20-30 percent smaller environmental impact.
    • 67 percent fewer garments needed when using reusable options compared to non-reusable, customized garments.
  6. Future Goals: While the group has set an ambitious target of including 30% recycled or bio-based fibers in new products by 2025, it is important to note that this target is mostly achieved through recycled fibers in mats and cotton towel rolls. Lindström India is aligned with these sustainability goals and is exploring ways to incorporate similar targets in its operations.

“This report represents a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to sustainability in the textile industry. Our report not only underscores the urgency of addressing environmental issues but also provides actionable steps that can be taken by industry stakeholders to drive meaningful change,” said Jayant Roy, managing director of Lindström India. “By sharing our findings and strategies, we hope to inspire and lead the way towards a more sustainable future for textiles in India and beyond.”

Lindström’s report is part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability and corporate social responsibility. By sharing these findings, the company aims to foster collaboration and drive industry-wide adoption of sustainable practices. The full report, which includes detailed insights on choosing durable and repairable textiles, promoting reusability, and minimising stocks and inventories, is now available at https://lindstromgroup.com/sustainability-report/

Posted: August 12, 2024

Source: Lindström India, a 100 percent subsidiary of Lindström Group

Spinnova And Valmet Sign Partnership Agreement Regarding The Delivery Of Process Equipment For Spinnova’s Customers

JYVÄSKYLÄ, Finland — August 12, 2024 — Spinnova Plc and Valmet have signed a Partnership Agreement. According to the agreement, Spinnova has appointed Valmet as the exclusive partner to supply process equipment to Spinnova’s technology customers. The exclusivity is limited in time and scope and includes an exclusivity fee based on realized project deliveries. Spinnova does not expect this to have a material impact on its 2024 financials.

Valmet has previously supplied drying technology for Woodspin’s factory, a joint venture between Spinnova and Suzano. Spinnova and Valmet will continue to work together to increase the competitiveness of fibre production technology by lowering the capital and operational costs of fiber production.

“We are excited to ensure future collaboration with our long-standing partner, Valmet. With Spinnova’s innovation and Valmet’s capabilities as the leading global supplier of process technologies, services and automation, we can deliver our technology customers the best possible tools to produce our innovative fiber. Working with Valmet will further accelerate our path to reach our technology goals and cost-competitiveness targets, while also opening up a new portfolio of potential technology customers who are already involved in material processing and pulping, says Tuomas Oijala, Spinnova’s CEO.

“Valmet aspires to have a strong role in the revolution of the textile industry, and we support our customers’ journeys in converting renewable resources into sustainable results. Therefore, we are extremely happy to continue our collaboration with Spinnova, leveraging our expertise and expanding our presence in the textile industry”, comments Petri Rasinmäki, Business Line president, Paper Business Line, Valmet.

Posted: August 12, 2024

Source: Spinnova Plc

Indorama Ventures Reports Stable 2Q24 Earnings, Supported By A Gradual Recovery In Volumes And Management Progress On IVL 2.0 Strategy

BANGKOK, Thailand — August 9, 2024 — Indorama Ventures Public Co Ltd. (IVL), a global sustainable chemical producer, reported a slight rise in quarterly performance, supported by a gradual recovery in sales volumes and as management executes the company’s IVL 2.0 strategy to optimize its manufacturing model, reduce costs, and enhance competitiveness.

Indorama Ventures’ reported Adjusted EBITDA1of $370 million in 2Q24, a 1 percent rise QoQ and a decline of 11 percent YoY. The company’s sales volumes increased 1 percent YoY due to subdued economic activity, but also signaling the end of a prolonged period of destocking that began in late 2022. Operating rates for the group increased from 74 percent to 76 percent in 1H24, although still at lower-than-average levels, signifying the weak global economic conditions. On a proforma basis, considering asset optimization actions, operating rates increase to 81 percent.

The Indovinya segment posted a robust performance on improved margins and rebounding demand for its high‑value-add downstream products. The packaging business, newly renamed ‘Indovida’, also performed well due to its leading footprint in emerging markets.

Looking ahead, Indorama Ventures is encouraged by the gradual improvement in the operating environment as customer inventory levels normalize, which is expected to spur further growth in volumes across all segments in 2H24. The company also expects to benefit in 2H24 from its shale gas advantage in the U.S, reflected in ethylene crack margins, positively impacting its integrated MEG business. Continued higher import prices in Western markets will enhance the company’s competitiveness as a leading local operator.

While the polyester industry manages the downcycle, Indorama Ventures’ experienced management team is working hard to deleverage and optimize the business under the company’s IVL 2.0 strategy to emerge stronger and drive enhanced earnings quality in an era of higher interest rates and a substantially changed industry landscape. As flagged at its Capital Markets Day on 6 March this year and reaffirmed in its Mid‑year strategic update on 24 July, the company is making substantial progress with IVL 2.0. In 2Q24, it recorded an impairment and expense provision of $666 million ($543 million is non‑cash) under its asset optimization program to improve manufacturing efficiency and reduce fixed costs. The cost benefits will start from 3Q24 and amount to about $170 million in savings in 2025. The company expects that the remaining asset optimizations will not have material impairments.

Management is continuing its intense focus on managing costs and extracting efficiencies, including its Olympus 2.0 program. These efforts achieved $47 million in savings in 1H24 ($29 million in 2Q24). The company is continually optimizing its capital expenditure, with capex supporting investments in sustainability — such as recycling in India — and automation and digital technology, as well as ongoing projects.

A key part of Indorama Ventures’ transformation journey is the implementation of new digital and AI tools to drive operational excellence in key areas, including manufacturing, commercial, procurement, sales, supply chain, and finance excellence. A significant portion of operations now have the new SAP S/4HANA ERP platform as a digital core, while rollouts of other world-leading solutions are ongoing in a phased approach through to 2026.

Mr. Aloke Lohia, Founder and Group CEO of Indorama Ventures

Aloke Lohia, Group CEO of Indorama Ventures, said: “We remain cautiously optimistic as we see gradual improvements in our industry operating environment, albeit with significant challenges still working their way through the cycle. In the last six months we have made pivotal changes to our organization, including enhancing our leadership teams and empowering them to drive the significant initiatives under our IVL 2.0 strategy. The objectives of IVL 2.0 are clearly mandated and will not only help us manage the current downturn but also position Indorama Ventures for the new era of sustainable long-term growth ahead.”

Segment Performances

The Combined PET (CPET) with Intermediate Chemicals segment posted an Adjusted EBITDA of $234 million in 2Q24, a 6 percent decline QoQ and a 25 percent decrease YoY, due to a one-time upside impact from a campaign run of NDC campaign in 1Q24 and as reduced industry spreads weighed on the Integrated PET business. A cracker outage at Lake Charles in the U.S also resulted in a $17-18 million impact to EBITDA. The cracker is gradually up and running in 3Q24.

The Indovinya segment recorded a strong Adjusted EBITDA of $98 million, a 41 percent gain QoQ and 85 percent YoY on increased volumes as destocking eased, supported by demand for downstream chemical surfactants amid the U.S crops season.

The Fibers segment recorded Adjusted EBITDA of $39 million, a 2 percent rise QoQ and a 19 percent gain YoY amid improved sales strategies and a robust focus on cost management, even as volumes declined, particularly in the Lifestyle business.

1 Adjusted financials are before inventory gain/(loss) and extraordinary items. Details are given in the Management Discussion and Analysis (MD&A).

Posted: August 12, 2024

Source: Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited (IVL)

Elevate Textiles Names Elizabeth K. Ren, Head Of Corporate Development And Strategy

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — August 8, 2024 — Elevate Textiles — a global provider of advanced, high-quality products and mission critical textile solutions — is pleased to announce that Elizabeth K. “Liz” Ren has joined the company as head of Corporate Development and Strategy.

Elizabeth K. Ren

“We are excited to have Liz join Elevate’s Leadership Team,” said Jeffrey P. Pritchett, CEO and member of the Board of Directors for Elevate Textiles. “Liz’s expertise and insights in identifying new opportunities and driving top line growth make her a valued addition to Elevate as we accelerate our focus on key product and market opportunities across our leading textile brands. She will work with each of our Division Presidents and me to drive commercial growth opportunities to better serve our customers.”

Ren joins Elevate with more than 20 years of experience in strategic planning, corporate development, investment banking, corporate finance, operations and treasury, with proven success in leading teams in executing strategic initiatives and driving growth, cash flow and profitability. She most recently worked as CEO for The City Kitchen, a private company that operates shared commercial kitchen facilities and provides food safety education services. She will continue on the Board of Directors for The City Kitchen. Her career has included key financial and executive positions across private and Fortune 100 companies including Under Armour, Vertis Communications, Pitney Bowes and Merrill Lynch among others. She is a graduate of Yale University with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and a graduate of The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania where she earned a Master of Business Administration, with a focus in Operations Strategy.

Ren is based out of Elevate’s global headquarters in Charlotte, N.C., where she will work across Elevate’s brands — American & Efird (A&E), Burlington, Cone Denim, Gütermann and Safety Components.

Posted: August 9, 2024

Source: Elevate Textiles

BASF Switches Their Portfolio To Bio-Based Ethyl Acrylate (EA)

LUDWIGSHAFEN, Germany — August 8, 2024 — BASF gives a clear sign towards biotransformation of their (Meth)Acrylate portfolio and switches their production to bio-based Ethyl Acrylate (EA) starting Q4 2024. With a 14C-traceable bio content of 40 percent according to DIN EN 16640 and a low Product Carbon Footprint (PCF1), bio-based EA from BASF helps customers worldwide to reach their sustainability goals. The product offers a PCF reduction of approximately 30 percent compared to fossil-based EA. Additionally to regular bio-based EA, BASF also offers bio-based Ethyl Acrylate BMB ISCC Plus.

Here, the remaining carbon content originated from fossil based acrylic acid is ISCC PLUS certified, and by applying BASF’s biomass balance (BMB2) approach, this variant offers a further reduced product carbon footprint.

BASF’s bio-based EA is produced in Ludwigshafen using bioethanol exclusively as alcohol source. The chemical and technical specifications of the new bio-based product are identical with the traditional fossil-based version. “With bio-based EA we can offer our customers a readily available drop-in solution for many applications. Ethyl Acrylate is a well-established product that will support our customers in reaching their sustainability goals. We also want to give a clear signal to the market that we drive our own sustainability transformation. From Q4 2024 onwards, we will phase out fossil-based EA and exclusively offer bio-based Ethyl Acrylate going forward,” said Dr. Reiner Geier, senior vice president, Industrial Petrochemicals Europe.

BASF’s bio-based Ethyl Acrylate uses sustainable bioethanol predominantly from European sources with grain as a feedstock. BASF applies strict sustainability criteria for the material use of biomass. The bioethanol purchased by BASF does not compete with food production: Bioethanol is mainly produced from residues of starch production, lower quality grains or molasses, all of which are not used in food production. Grains that are neither suitable for use as food nor feed can also be used for bioethanol production.

Bio-based EA offers a broad application range and can be used in a wide variety of polymer dispersion applications, with the Coatings and Adhesives industries as the primary target industries.

BASF’s bio-based Ethyl Acrylate is ‘OK biobased’3 certified by TÜV Austria since March 2024.

1 BASF’s product carbon footprint (PCF) calculations for conventional products follow the requirements and guidance given by ISO 14067:2018. A TÜV Rheinland methodology review has certified that the SCOTT PCF methodology developed and used by BASF SE is based on scientific evidence, meets ISO 14067:2018 and the Together for Sustainability PCF policy, and reflects the state of the art (ID no. 0000080389: BASF SE – Certipedia). TÜV Rheinland also confirms that the biomass balance (BMB) PCF calculation method and the associated PCF reduction for BMB-certified products follow the conventional LCA method in accordance with ISO 14067 and the Together for Sustainability (TfS) policy.

2 Find out more about BASF’s biomass balance approach at: https://www.basf.com/global/en/who-we-are/sustainability/we-drive-sustainable-solutions/circular-economy/mass-balance-approach/biomass-balance.html.

3 Find out more about the ‘OK biobased’ certification here: https://en.tuv.at/ok-biobased-en/

Posted: August 8, 2024

Source: BASF

India: Growing Interest In Oerlikon Barmag Industrial Yarn Systems — Technical Textiles On The Rise 

REMSCHEID, Germany — August 8, 2024 — As a traditional textile country, India has also established a strong position in the field of manmade fiber production in recent decades. The West Asian country has now become the second largest polyester yarn manufacturer in the world. The Indian textile industry covers the entire value chain from the melt to the finished textile end product.

Rising demand for industrial yarn in India seatbelt machine-individually configured; the system concept for High Tenacity (HT) yarns and its unique properties on the market ensure the production of high-quality yarn for the manufacture of seat belts.

The technical textiles sector in particular is regarded as a future market. With an average growth rate of 12 percent since 2013, this dynamic sector accounts for around 13 percent of the entire Indian textile and clothing market, according to the government organization Invest India. The market volume has almost doubled in the past ten years. In India, the production of industrial yarn has so far relied heavily on polyamide. Oerlikon Barmag has a strong market position here. “In recent years, we have commissioned plants for numerous customers,” said Dr. Wolfgang Ernst, head of Sales of the Oerlikon Business Unit Manmade Fibers Solutions.

Increasing demand for industrial polyester yarns

The construction boom and the increasing use of geotextiles and industrial textiles in various infrastructure projects as well as in agriculture and aquaculture show enormous growth potential. This is supported by the government’s 2021 industrial development program, which includes technical textiles as one of ten priority sectors. The program is based on reducing dependence on imports. Until now, a large proportion of the technical textiles and yarns required in the country have been imported.

The trend towards high-quality technical textiles for the domestic market has also been noted by the Remscheid-based machine and plant manufacturer. “We are receiving more and more inquiries from Indian customers for spinning systems for industrial yarns,” Dr. Ernst said. “What is new is the great interest shown by companies from downstream processes that are looking for backward integration. We attribute this to the stricter regulations of the Bureau of Indian Standards. Until now, industrial yarns were mainly imported from China. In order to guarantee the quality of the processed yarns, this has been strictly regulated by the government since last year. It therefore makes sense for Indian textile producers to enter the yarn manufacturing sector.” This development was also noticeable at this year’s Techtextil in Frankfurt, where the experts from Oerlikon Barmag were able to hold a disproportionately high number of technical discussions with Indian customers and interested parties.

Oerlikon Barmag’s industrial yarn technology offers an extensive process window – without compromising on yarn quality. The flexible spinning concepts enable a variety of possible yarn products for numerous applications. The portfolio includes processes for the production of polyamide and polyester yarns with the required physical properties for a wide range of end applications. Whether HMLS yarns for car tires, yarns for geotextiles, safety belts or even airbags — yarn producers will find a tailor-made concept for every end application at the Remscheid-based solution provider.

Posted: August 8, 2024

Source: Oerlikon Polymer Processing Solutions Division / Oerlikon Group

NRF: Monthly Import Cargo Continues Peak Season Surge

WASHINGTON, D.C. — August 8, 2024 — Monthly inbound cargo volume at the nation’s major container ports could see a near-record surge this month as retailers bring in merchandise ahead of a potential strike at East Coast and Gulf Coast ports this fall, according to the Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates.

“Retailers are concerned by the possibility of a strike at ports on the East and Gulf coasts because contract talks have stalled,” NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold said. “Many retailers have taken precautions including earlier shipping and shifting cargo to West Coast ports. We hope to see both sides resolve this issue before the current contract expires because retailers and the economy cannot afford to see a prolonged strike. This comes on top of ongoing disruption issues including the attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea. Vessel diversions have led to increased shipping times and costs and have led to equipment shortages and congestion in Asian ports.”

The contract between the International Longshoremen’s Association and the United States Maritime Alliance covering East Coast and Gulf Coast ports is set to expire on September 30. Negotiations have broken down and the ILA has threatened to strike if a new contract is not reached by then. NRF has continued to urge the parties to return to the table to continue negotiations. Rising freight rates have also prompted importers to ship earlier.

“Importers are continuing to grow their inventories and are shifting cargo to the West Coast as a precaution against potential labor disruptions,” Hackett Associates Founder Ben Hackett said. “We calculate that the shift has pushed the West Coast share of cargo we track to above 50% for the first time in over three years.”

U.S. ports covered by Global Port Tracker handled 2.16 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units — one 20-foot container or its equivalent — in June, the latest month for which final numbers are available. That was up 3.6 percent from May and up 17.7 percent year-over-year. That brought the total for the first half of 2024 to 12.1 million TEU, up 15 percent over the same period in 2023. (The totals include estimates for the ports of New York/New Jersey and Miami, which have not reported TEU counts for June.)

Ports have not yet reported July’s numbers, but Global Port Tracker projected that volume shot up to 2.34 million TEU, up 22.1 percent year-over-year and the highest level since the record of 2.4 million TEU set in May 2022. August is forecast to also total 2.34 million TEU, up 19.2 percent year-over-year.

September is forecast at 2.16 million TEU, up 6.5 percent year over year; October at 2.09 million TEU, up 1.7 percent; November at 1.98 million TEU, up 4.4 percent, and December at 1.94 million TEU, up 3.5 percent. Those numbers would bring 2024 to 24.9 million TEU, up 12.1 percent from 2023.

The import numbers come as NRF is forecasting that 2024 retail sales — excluding automobile dealers, gasoline stations and restaurants to focus on core retail — will grow between 2.5 percent and 3.5 percent over 2023.

Global Port Tracker, which is produced for NRF by Hackett Associates, provides historical data and forecasts for 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 . Subscription information for non-members can be found at www.globalporttracker.com.

Posted: August 8, 2024

Source: The National Retail Federation (NRF)

Sponsors