First Quarter 2018 vs. Second Quarter 2018
During the 2Q 2018, facilities within the Port of South Louisiana district handled over 77 million short tons transferred via 1,126 vessels and 15,910 barges, an increase of 7%, which is 14% higher than what has been cited in recent articles.
7% |
Exports |
10% |
Imports |
1% | |
Grain |
4% |
Grain |
2% |
Chemicals/Fertilizers |
11% |
Coal/Lignite/Coke |
11% |
Coal/Lignite/Coke |
29% |
Ores/Phosphates |
19% |
Ores/Phosphates |
22% |
Petrochemicals |
25% |
Steel Products |
8% |
Petrochemicals |
20% |
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Steel Products |
13% |
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# Vessels |
7% |
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# Barges |
8% |
Grain handling in 1Q 2018 decreased due to prolonged winter weather in the Midwest that delayed the farming season. In addition, high water contributed to the downturn, as river traffic and cargo movement was disrupted. Crude oil imports also saw a decline during 1Q 2018, as U.S. imports of crude [sweet] oil from Venezuela reached their lowest levels since 1993. However, after the spring thaw, grain shipping increased by 4% in the 2Q 2018.
Second Quarter 2017 vs. Second Quarter 2018
Total tonnage also marked an increase (11%) in 2Q 2018 when compared to 2Q 2017. All commodities but Crude and Steel Products marked an increase during 2Q 2018, transported to our facilities via 1,126 vessels and 15,910 barges.
Total Throughput |
11% |
Exports |
32% |
Imports |
-11% |
Grain |
30% |
Grain |
31% |
Ores/Phosphates |
19% |
Ores/Phosphates |
10% |
Coal/Lignite/Coke |
123% |
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Petrochemicals |
2% |
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# Vessels |
1% |
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# Barges |
17% |
First Half Year 2017 vs. First Half Year 2018
In 1HY 2018, Port of South Louisiana handled over 149 million short tons of cargo shipped via 2,174 vessels and 30,680 barges. Although total throughput showed a 3% decrease compared to the same period last year, it is doubtful that it can be attributed to the recently-imposed tariffs, as those did not go into effect until June 2018. As already stated, the reduction is linked to late-season winter weather upriver and a decrease of crude [sweet] oil imports from Venezuela. During this time frame. Coal/Lignite/Coke showed a substantial increase in handling.
Total Throughput |
-3% |
Exports |
2% |
Imports |
-10% |
Coal/Lignite/Coke |
53% |
Coal/Lignite/Coke |
38% |
Ores/Phosphates |
22% |
Ores/Phosphates |
18% |
As the largest tonnage port in the Western Hemisphere –and the 16th largest in the world (2016), Port of South Louisiana ranks first in grain exports and foreign trade zone activity and is a top-rated energy transfer port. The Port of South Louisiana handles approximately $60 billion in trade annually, supporting over 30 thousand direct jobs (6 of 10) in the River Region which translates to over 83 thousand jobs (1 of 25) in the state of Louisiana. Regionally, it contributes $1.8 billion in income, $14.4 billion in revenue, and $72.5 million in state and local taxes. The region has attracted billions of dollars of investment (over $23 billion) by companies in the petrochemical, fertilizer, and logistics industries. Projects like these are vital to sustaining and promoting further economic prosperity for the Port of South Louisiana, the River Region, and its labor force.
