Container import volume down 6% in September from August

Newark, N.J. -- U.S. containerized import volume fell 6% in September from the month before as surging shipping of auto parts was not enough to offset growing pessimism among retailers about consumer demand heading into the holidays, according to figures from The Journal of Commerce/PIERS.



Imports fell 6% from August to September, and the disappointing numbers for such items as toys, apparel and home goods signaled retailers are restraining their inventory growth on the cusp of the holiday shopping season.



Toy imports were down 9% year-over-year, according to the JOC/PIERS figures. Also down were popular gift items such as women's and infant wear, sliding 11% or 5,346 TEUs; computers, down 14%, or 4,100 TEUs; and menswear, down 8% or 2,387 TEUs. Furniture and soft home goods also declined 3% and 11%, respectively.