South Carolina Ports (SC Ports) reported that container volumes steadied in June, ending the fiscal year 2023, handling nearly 2.6 million TEUs and 1.4 million pier containers.

While this is down about 10% from fiscal year 2022 — when pandemic spending spurred an unprecedented cargo boom — SC Ports noted that volumes are up 1% from fiscal year 2021, a much more typical year.

"SC Ports finished the fiscal year 2023 with steady container volumes and stellar activity at its rail-served inland ports," the port said in its announcement.

In June, SC Ports handled 203,091 TEUs and 112,883 pier containers, up more than 3% year-over-year.

It added that retail, advanced manufacturing, automotive and cold storage sectors continue to drive growth at the Port of Charleston.

"SC Ports provides reliable, efficient service for companies' supply chains," said Barbara Melvin, president and chief executive officer of SC Ports.

"Port-dependent businesses will continue to invest in South Carolina to gain access to a well-run port with capacity in the booming Southeast market."

The report noted that Inland Port Dillon had a record fiscal year in 2023, handling 39,143 rail moves, which is an impressive 50% increase from the year prior. Inland Port Greer also had a strong fiscal year, with 146,813 rail moves, down about 3% year-over-year.

Both rail-served inland ports handled record June volumes.

SC Ports said Inland Port Dillon recorded 4,048 rail moves, up 139% from last year. Inland Port Greer had its busiest June ever, with 14,887 rail moves, up 24% year-over-year.

Meanwhile, SC Ports had 188,517 vehicles rolling across its docks in fiscal year 2023, which is a 14% decrease from the year prior.

Over the past three months, however, SC Ports has seen organic growth in automotive volumes, with exports increasing to meet international demand. In June, SC Ports moved 15,375 vehicles, a 20% increase year-over-year.

"In fiscal year 2023, we efficiently moved cargo while significantly expanding our capabilities for the future," Melvin said.

"We broke ground on a near-port, rail-served cargo yard, further expanded Inland Port Greer and successfully deepened Charleston Harbor to 52 feet. Our strategic investments make us more competitive for the future."