Port Houston reported that it handled 353,525 TEUs of containers in September, marking a 26% increase compared to the same month last year.

This is the second-highest month ever for containers at Port Houston, following only August 2022.

Port of Houston said the increase in volume is largely due to demand for imported goods and a more efficient gateway and loaded import container volume which was up 31% in September over the same month last year.

Overall, container volume is up 18% year-to-date at Port Houston's terminals and is nearing the 3 million mark already this year.

"No signs" of slowing down at Port of Houston

"Despite rumblings of economic slowdown, Port Houston's terminals are thriving and have thus far shown no signs of slowing. Following its best September ever," the port said in its announcement, adding that the Port Houston leadership also continues to drive forward important infrastructure growth plans, including adding wharves and container yard space.

Recently the Port Commission approved the purchase of 26 hybrid-electric rubber tire gantry (RTG) cranes and three new electric ship-to-shore cranes.

"We are doing everything we can to maintain fluidity at our terminals," said Roger Guenther, executive director at Port Houston.

"We've created additional temporary space on the terminal and accelerated our investments in additional container yards. We appreciate our customers for working with us by evacuating their containers quickly, and want to encourage them to take advantage of the recently added Saturday gate hours in addition to our weekday gates."

Steel imports were up 32% in September and year-to-date are up 76% and have surpassed 4 million tons.

Port of Houston saw auto import units were up 241% in September compared to last year and are up 4% year to date.

Total tonnage at Port Houston's facilities is up 26% for the year through September.