Apr.23--CONTAINER volumes through Puget Sound ports were up and down in the first quarter with Tacoma traffic up 3.1 per cent while Seattle's throughput fell five per cent.
    Results were better in March with Tacoma gaining 14.6 per cent in imports while exports were up 10.4 per cent year on year, and Seattle volume increased five per cent with exports leading with a separate 8.3 per cent increase.
    First quarter breakbulk results did well in Tacoma where volumes increased 93 per cent year on year, resulting from a robust demand for machinery and construction equipment.
    Seattle March grain also increased 20 per cent, and intermodal lifts were up 15 per cent. Seattle's total international container volume in March increased 6.5 per cent year on year. The port's total of containers handled, including empties and the coastal trade with Alaska, was up 5.8 per cent.

(Source:shippingazette)