Port of New York-New Jersey: US East Coast's Container Import Gateway

According to IMF PortWatch data (accessed October 2024), the Port of New York-New Jersey handled 3,867 vessel calls, with 55.9% being container ships (2,163 calls) serving the largest consumer market on the US East Coast. The port's 12.25% share of US maritime imports—nearly five times its 2.38% export share—reflects the New York City metropolitan area's role as a 20 million-person consumption center driving Asian import demand. This import-export imbalance makes NY-NJ a direct proxy for US consumer spending trends, retail inventory cycles, and holiday shopping forecasts.

NY-NJ's competitive advantage stems from its ExpressRail inland distribution network, which moves 750,000+ containers annually to Midwest markets via on-dock rail, and the raised Bayonne Bridge (215-foot clearance), which accommodates fully laden 18,000 TEU mega-ships accessing six marine terminals. The port processed 7.8 million TEU in 2023, maintaining its position as the East Coast's largest container gateway despite competition from Savannah, Charleston, and Norfolk. Traders monitor NY-NJ volumes as a leading indicator for US retail health, Suez Canal routing patterns, and Northeast consumer confidence.

Port Overview

The Port of New York-New Jersey operates across a 25-mile radius spanning New York Harbor, Newark Bay, and Kill Van Kull waterways, with six major container terminals in New Jersey (Port Newark, Elizabeth, Bayonne) and one in Brooklyn (Red Hook). The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) owns the marine infrastructure, while terminal operators (APM Terminals, Maher Terminals, GCT, PNCT) handle day-to-day operations under long-term leases.

The port's infrastructure underwent transformative upgrades in 2016-2017: the $1.6 billion Bayonne Bridge raise increased clearance from 151 feet to 215 feet, and channel dredging deepened access to 50 feet, eliminating lightering requirements for mega-ships. These projects enabled direct calls by 18,000 TEU vessels, saving shippers $500+ million annually in operational costs and establishing NY-NJ as the East Coast's primary mega-ship destination.

Key Infrastructure:

NY-NJ's strategic location provides same-day container delivery to 5 million NYC residents and next-day service to 38 million people within 200 miles (Philadelphia, Boston, Washington DC). This consumer proximity drives 70% truck mode share for local distribution, while ExpressRail's 30% rail penetration serves Midwest markets faster than West Coast ports with transcontinental rail.

Vessel Traffic Analysis

Total Traffic Composition

| Vessel Type | Call Count | Percentage | Strategic Role | |-------------|-----------|------------|----------------| | Container vessels | 2,163 | 55.9% | Asia imports, trans-Atlantic services | | Other vessels | 1,109 | 28.7% | Tugboats, harbor craft, cruise ships | | Other bulk | 338 | 8.7% | Aggregates, steel, project cargo | | Dry bulk carriers | 205 | 5.3% | Salt, gypsum, scrap metal exports | | Tankers | 51 | 1.3% | Petroleum products, chemical imports |

This cargo distribution reflects NY-NJ's specialization in containerized consumer goods imports rather than bulk commodities or energy. The 55.9% container share is lower than West Coast ports (LA: 68%, Long Beach: 72%) due to NY-NJ's diversified harbor traffic including 28.7% "other vessels"—tugboats serving harbor operations, Staten Island ferries, cruise ships (Manhattan Cruise Terminal), and harbor utility craft.

The minimal tanker traffic (1.3%, only 51 calls) indicates limited petroleum infrastructure compared to nearby Bayonne refinery docks and Linden, NJ petroleum terminals, which handle energy imports separately from container operations. Dry bulk (5.3%) represents scrap metal and waste paper exports to Asia—the primary export commodities balancing import-heavy container traffic.

Container Traffic Patterns

NY-NJ's container traffic exhibits strong seasonality driven by US retail inventory cycles. Peak season runs August-October as retailers import Christmas merchandise ahead of Thanksgiving and Black Friday, with September averaging 700,000+ TEU (15-20% above baseline). Low season occurs January-February (post-holiday inventory drawdown, pre-Chinese New Year factory closures) at 550,000-600,000 TEU monthly.

Monthly Container Traffic Patterns (2023-2024):

The port's 7.8 million TEU throughput (2023) translates to approximately 650,000 TEU per month average, though monthly variation can exceed ±15% during peak-trough swing. Import-export imbalance is stark: imports account for 85-90% of laden containers, while exports total only 10-15%, necessitating massive empty container repositioning to Asia (50-55% of outbound containers sail empty).

Trade Significance

US Trade Share

According to IMF PortWatch, NY-NJ accounts for:

This 9.87 percentage point import surplus (12.25% - 2.38%) represents the largest trade imbalance among major US container ports, reflecting the NYC metro area's 20 million consumers versus limited local manufacturing. By comparison, LA/Long Beach handles 25-30% of US imports but also 15-18% of exports (agricultural products, manufactured goods), showing more balanced trade flows.

NY-NJ's 12.25% import share represents approximately $90-100 billion in annual import value (based on US $750 billion maritime imports). Top import categories include:

The minimal 2.38% export share ($18-20 billion) consists primarily of waste paper and scrap metal returning to Asian mills, with limited manufactured goods exports due to Northeast deindustrialization.

Regional Trade Corridors

Primary Import Routes:

  1. Asia-East Coast via Suez (60-65%) - Shanghai, Ningbo, Qingdao, Yantian (22-24 days)
  2. Trans-Atlantic Europe (15-20%) - Rotterdam, Hamburg, Antwerp, Le Havre (7-9 days)
  3. Caribbean transshipment (10-12%) - Freeport (Bahamas), Kingston (Jamaica) feeders
  4. Panama Canal feeders (5-8%) - West Coast cargo transshipped for East Coast delivery

Primary Export Routes:

  1. Asia scrap metal/waste paper (55-60%) - China, Indonesia, India recycling mills
  2. Caribbean/Latin America (20-25%) - Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Colombia
  3. Europe manufactured goods (10-15%) - Limited Northeast production
  4. Africa/Middle East (5-8%) - Secondary markets

NY-NJ's Suez Canal routing dependency (60-65% of Asia traffic) creates vulnerability to Red Sea disruptions, as demonstrated during the 2021 Ever Given blockage and 2023-2024 Houthi attacks. When Suez becomes unreliable, shippers divert to West Coast ports with transcontinental rail or all-water Panama Canal routes, reducing NY-NJ direct calls by 8-12%.

ExpressRail Inland Distribution

NY-NJ's ExpressRail network represents the East Coast's most extensive on-dock rail system, moving 750,000+ containers annually (30% of port volume) to Midwest distribution centers. The system features three rail yards:

ExpressRail Facilities:

ExpressRail's competitive advantage stems from on-dock loading, eliminating drayage to off-port rail yards required at competing ports. Containers move directly from marine terminal to rail car within 24 hours, reaching Chicago in 36-48 hours (versus 5-7 days via West Coast rail). This speed advantage makes NY-NJ cost-competitive with LA/Long Beach for Midwest deliveries despite longer ocean transit.

Key Inland Destinations:

The Port Authority targets 1.2 million ExpressRail containers by 2028 (40% mode share), requiring additional on-dock track capacity and double-stack clearances under highway overpasses. Increased rail penetration reduces truck congestion on New Jersey highways (currently 1.5 million annual truck trips avoided) and lowers carbon emissions by 65% per container versus all-truck delivery.

Consumer Demand Indicators

US Retail Sales Correlation

NY-NJ container volumes correlate +0.72 with US retail sales (Census Bureau, monthly, released ~14th of each month) at a 60-90 day lag. Strong retail sales in March-May drive June-August import ordering as retailers restock depleted inventory. Holiday season sales (November-December) are pre-positioned via August-October import surge, creating the port's annual peak traffic period.

Retail Sales → Container Import Timeline:

  1. Day 0: Census Bureau publishes retail sales data (e.g., March sales on April 14)
  2. Day 15-30: Retailers adjust Q2/Q3 inventory forecasts
  3. Day 30-45: Purchase orders placed with Asian suppliers
  4. Day 45-60: Factory production and containerization (15-20 day lead time)
  5. Day 60-75: Container loading at Shanghai/Ningbo ports
  6. Day 82-99: Ocean transit via Suez Canal (22-24 days)
  7. Day 100-105: NY-NJ arrival and terminal processing

This 100-105 day lag means March retail sales predict June container arrivals, enabling traders to position ahead of official port statistics. The National Retail Federation (NRF) publishes monthly Global Port Tracker forecasts 5-6 months ahead, providing additional leading indicators for import volume expectations.

Black Friday and Holiday Surge

NY-NJ experiences its most pronounced seasonal pattern during the August-October Christmas import surge, when retailers stock shelves for Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and holiday shopping. Peak weeks occur mid-September to mid-October, with single-week volumes exceeding 175,000 TEU (versus 150,000 TEU baseline).

Holiday Import Timeline:

This seasonal pattern creates binary trading opportunities around peak volume thresholds. For example, September 2024 container call markets asking "Will NY-NJ exceed 185 container vessels in September?" (threshold representing +15% seasonal surge) resolved YES when final count reached 192 calls.

Trading Port Signals

Binary Market Examples

NY-NJ September 2025 Holiday Surge Outcome:

| Outcome | Threshold | Implied Probability | Contract Price | |---------|-----------|-------------------|----------------| | September 2025 containers ≥ 190 vessels | ≥190 calls | 61% | $0.61 | | September 2025 containers < 190 vessels | <190 calls | 39% | $0.39 |

Rationale: September is peak holiday import month. The 190-vessel threshold represents +5% vs 2023-2024 September average (181 vessels), testing whether retail optimism drives above-trend Christmas stocking.

Suez Canal Routing Dependency:

| Outcome | Condition | Implied Probability | Contract Price | |---------|-----------|-------------------|----------------| | ≥50% of NY-NJ Asia imports via Suez in Q1 2026 | Suez operational | 48% | $0.48 | | <50% via Suez (diversions to Panama/West Coast) | Suez disrupted | 52% | $0.52 |

Trading Logic: Red Sea security situation determines Suez viability. Monitor Maersk/MSC/CMA CGM Asia-East Coast service schedules for routing changes. Market resolves using liner schedule data from Sea-Intelligence and container shipping consultants.

Scalar Markets

NY-NJ Q4 2025 TEU Throughput Prediction Market:

Predict total Q4 2025 TEU (October-December 2025):

| Bucket | Implied Range | Market Price | Implied Probability | |--------|---------------|--------------|-------------------| | Very Low | 1.75-1.85M TEU | $0.05 | 5% | | Low | 1.85-1.95M TEU | $0.18 | 18% | | Medium | 1.95-2.05M TEU | $0.44 | 44% | | High | 2.05-2.15M TEU | $0.26 | 26% | | Very High | 2.15-2.25M TEU | $0.07 | 7% |

Resolution: Based on Port Authority of NY-NJ official Q4 2025 TEU announcement (published mid-January 2026).

Key Factors:

Cross-Port Spreads

NY-NJ vs Savannah Monthly Container Differential:

Predict monthly container call difference: NY-NJ calls minus Savannah calls

| Spread Range | Implied Differential | Market Price | |--------------|---------------------|--------------| | NY-NJ +20 to +40 calls | NY-NJ narrowly ahead | $0.12 | | NY-NJ +40 to +60 calls | NY-NJ moderately ahead | $0.34 | | NY-NJ +60 to +80 calls | NY-NJ strongly ahead | $0.38 | | NY-NJ +80 to +100 calls | NY-NJ dominantly ahead | $0.13 | | NY-NJ +100+ calls | NY-NJ extremely ahead | $0.03 |

Trading Rationale: NY-NJ typically handles 1.3-1.5x Savannah's container calls (NY-NJ ~180/month vs Savannah ~130). Spread tightening (<+40 differential) signals Savannah's Southeast market growth outpacing Northeast, while widening (>+100) indicates NYC import demand strength. Monitor Southeast population growth trends and automotive sector imports (Savannah specialization).

Correlation Markets

NY-NJ Container Imports vs US Retail Sales (ex-auto):

Historical correlation: +0.72 (60-90 day lag)

| Correlation Range | Q2 2026 Correlation | Market Price | |-------------------|---------------------|--------------| | Very Weak | +0.40 to +0.55 | $0.04 | | Weak | +0.55 to +0.65 | $0.11 | | Moderate | +0.65 to +0.75 | $0.38 | | Strong | +0.75 to +0.85 | $0.42 | | Very Strong | +0.85 to +0.95 | $0.05 |

Resolution Methodology: Compare Census Bureau retail sales (ex-auto) data (January-March 2026) with NY-NJ container vessel calls (March-May 2026) using Pearson correlation coefficient.

Interpretation: Correlation weakening below +0.65 suggests import diversion to West Coast or shifting consumer spending patterns (services over goods). Strengthening above +0.85 indicates NY-NJ capturing increased market share from competing East Coast ports.

Port-Specific Competitive Dynamics

Suez Canal Routing Economics

NY-NJ's Asia-East Coast container services face continuous routing competition between Suez Canal (all-water 22-24 days) and Panama Canal + West Coast rail (18-20 days ocean + 5-7 days rail). Total transit time advantage for Panama routing (1-3 days faster to East Coast) competes against Suez's all-water simplicity and lower transshipment risk.

Suez vs Panama Economics (Shanghai → New York example):

| Route | Ocean Days | Rail Days | Total Days | Cost per FEU | Complexity | |-------|-----------|-----------|------------|--------------|------------| | Suez Canal (all-water) | 22-24 | 0 | 22-24 | $3,200-3,600 | Low (direct) | | Panama → LA → Rail → NY | 13-15 | 5-7 | 18-22 | $3,800-4,200 | High (transload) | | Panama → Savannah (all-water) | 20-22 | 0 | 20-22 | $3,000-3,400 | Medium (feeder) |

Suez routing becomes economically preferred when:

  1. Red Sea security is stable (no diversions around Africa)
  2. Freight rates favor all-water (Panama Canal congestion raises costs)
  3. Time-sensitivity is low (furniture, apparel vs electronics)
  4. Rail capacity is constrained (West Coast congestion/labor issues)

Conversely, Panama routing gains share when Suez faces disruptions (2021 Ever Given blockage reduced NY-NJ imports 8% in April-May 2021; 2024 Houthi attacks diverted 15-20% of Asia traffic to West Coast). Traders monitor Suez Canal Authority weekly transit statistics and Maersk/MSC service advisories for routing shifts.

West Coast Competition

NY-NJ competes with LA/Long Beach for Midwest-destined imports, comparing all-water Suez transit (22-24 days) versus West Coast arrival (13-15 days) plus transcontinental rail (5-7 days). Total transit time is similar (22-24 days), making the choice hinge on total landed cost including freight, rail, and transshipment complexity.

NY-NJ vs LA/Long Beach for Chicago Delivery:

| Metric | NY-NJ (Suez) | LA (Panama) + Rail | |--------|--------------|-------------------| | Ocean transit | 22-24 days | 13-15 days | | Rail transit | 0 days (ExpressRail local) | 5-7 days (transcontinental) | | Total to Chicago | 23-25 days (via ExpressRail) | 18-22 days | | Total cost per FEU | $4,200-4,600 | $4,800-5,200 | | Transshipment points | 1 (ocean → rail) | 2 (ocean → terminal → rail) |

NY-NJ's advantage: Lower total cost ($400-600 less per FEU) and one fewer transshipment point (reduced damage/loss risk). LA's advantage: 5-7 day faster delivery for time-sensitive cargo. The 2024-2025 routing split shows approximately 55% of Midwest-bound Asia imports via NY-NJ and 45% via LA, with share fluctuating based on West Coast labor stability and Suez reliability.

Risk Factors

Operational Risks

Labor Negotiations: The International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) East Coast contract expired September 30, 2024, with negotiations ongoing into 2025. Previous contract negotiations (2012-2013) resulted in brief work slowdowns but no full strikes. Automation at PNCT and potential expansion to other terminals remains a contentious issue, with ILA resisting job displacement. Prolonged labor disputes could divert cargo to West Coast or non-ILA ports (Charleston is partially non-union).

Chassis Shortages: NY-NJ experienced chronic chassis (truck equipment) shortages in 2020-2022, creating 3-5 day container dwell time increases. The Port Authority's 2023 Chassis Management Plan added 15,000 chassis to regional pools, but shortages resurface during peak season (September-October) when daily lifts exceed 8,500 containers. Extended dwell times trigger demurrage fees ($150-200/day per container after 3 days).

Truck Congestion: New Jersey highway congestion (I-95, NJ Turnpike) creates 90-120 minute average truck turn times (gate-in to gate-out), versus 45-60 minutes at less congested ports like Savannah. The Port Authority's ExpressRail expansion aims to shift 100,000+ containers from truck to rail, but 70% mode share will likely persist through 2030.

Storm Closures: Nor'easter winter storms and hurricane season (August-October) cause 1-3 day port closures 4-6 times annually. Hurricane Sandy (2012) closed NY-NJ for 6 days, creating 2-week vessel backlog and $500M+ economic impact. Climate change projections suggest increased storm frequency, averaging 5-8 closure days by 2030 versus 3-5 historically.

Geopolitical Risks

Suez Canal Dependency: 60-65% of NY-NJ's Asia import volume transits the Suez Canal, creating vulnerability to Red Sea geopolitical instability. The 2023-2024 Houthi attacks forced diversions around Africa's Cape of Good Hope (adding 10-14 days transit) or to Panama routing, reducing NY-NJ direct calls 12-15%. Prolonged Suez unreliability would structurally advantage West Coast ports.

US-China Trade Relations: Potential tariff increases (Section 301 duties exceeding current 7.5-25% rates) could reduce Chinese import volumes 15-25%, though diversification to Vietnam/Bangladesh/Mexico would partially offset. NY-NJ handles $40-45 billion in Chinese imports annually, representing 45-50% of containerized cargo value.

Panama Canal Drought: Climate-driven droughts (2023-2024 reduced daily transits from 36 to 24) constrain Panama routing, forcing larger vessels to lighten cargo or divert. Severe multi-year drought could make Panama unreliable, benefiting Suez routing and NY-NJ volumes by 8-12%.

Competitive Risks

Savannah/Charleston Growth: Southeast ports gained market share 2018-2024, with Savannah growing TEU 28% versus NY-NJ's 14%. Lower labor costs, newer automation, and proximity to automotive manufacturing (BMW, Mercedes, Hyundai plants) attract discretionary cargo. If this trend continues, NY-NJ's East Coast market share could decline from 34% (2024) to 28-30% by 2030.

Baltimore Recovery: The March 2024 Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse closed Baltimore for 6 weeks, diverting 400,000 TEU to NY-NJ (temporary 5% volume boost). Baltimore's reopening and infrastructure reconstruction (2025-2026) will recapture ro-ro automobile traffic and some container cargo, reducing NY-NJ's temporary market share gains.

Canadian Diversion: Montreal and Halifax compete for Midwest-bound cargo via Canadian rail (CN/CP), offering 12-24 hour time savings versus NY-NJ. However, cross-border customs complexity and winter Great Lakes/St. Lawrence closures limit Canadian diversion to 5-8% of potential Midwest volume.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is NY-NJ the largest US East Coast port?

NY-NJ handled 7.8 million TEU in 2023, serving the 20 million NYC metropolitan consumer market. Its ExpressRail inland distribution network moves containers to Midwest markets in 24-48 hours, faster than West Coast alternatives. The raised Bayonne Bridge accommodates 18,000 TEU mega-ships accessing six marine terminals.

What percentage of NY-NJ traffic is imports vs exports?

IMF PortWatch data shows NY-NJ accounts for 12.25% of US maritime imports but only 2.38% of exports, creating a 9.87 percentage point import surplus. This reflects NYC's role as a consumer market rather than manufacturing hub, with containers arriving full and departing empty.

What is the ExpressRail network?

ExpressRail is an on-dock rail system connecting NY-NJ's six container terminals to inland markets. The network features three rail yards (Port Newark, Elizabeth, and Staten Island) moving 750,000+ containers annually to Chicago, Memphis, and Ohio distribution centers, reducing truck congestion by 1.5 million trips/year.

How does Suez vs Panama routing affect NY-NJ?

Asia-East Coast services can route via Suez Canal (22-24 days) or Panama Canal to West Coast with rail (18-20 days). Suez disruptions (2021 blockage, 2023-2024 Red Sea attacks) divert cargo to Panama routing, reducing NY-NJ direct calls. The port gained market share during smooth Suez operations.

Which terminals operate at NY-NJ?

Six major terminals: APM Terminals (2.0M TEU), Maher Terminals (1.5M TEU), GCT New York (1.3M TEU), PNCT (1.6M TEU automated), GCT Bayonne (0.9M TEU), and Red Hook Container Terminal (0.15M TEU). Combined capacity is 9.0 million TEU, with PNCT's automation setting US terminal efficiency benchmarks.

How do I trade NY-NJ container volumes?

Binary markets predict whether monthly TEU exceeds thresholds like 650,000. Scalar markets offer ranges (e.g., 600-650k, 650-700k). Monitor retail sales reports (Census Bureau, 14th of month), National Retail Federation forecasts, and Suez Canal transit statistics for leading indicators.

What is the Bayonne Bridge project?

The Port Authority raised the Bayonne Bridge from 151-foot to 215-foot clearance (2017) enabling fully laden 18,000 TEU mega-ships to access Port Newark, Elizabeth, and Bayonne terminals. This $1.6 billion project eliminated lightering requirements and saved shippers $500+ million annually in operational costs.

Does NY-NJ experience holiday import surges?

Yes, August-October container volumes increase 15-20% as retailers import Christmas merchandise ahead of Thanksgiving/Black Friday. Peak weeks occur mid-September to mid-October. Post-holiday January volumes drop 12-18% as retailers work through inventory before Chinese New Year factory closures.

What commodities move through NY-NJ?

Top import categories are consumer electronics, furniture, apparel, toys, and auto parts from Asia. Export cargo includes waste paper, scrap metal, and agricultural products, though export volumes are only 20% of import TEU. The trade imbalance drives empty container repositioning to Asia.

How does US retail sales correlate with NY-NJ volumes?

US retail sales (Census Bureau, monthly) correlate +0.72 with NY-NJ container imports at 60-90 day lag. Strong retail sales in March-May drive June-August import ordering as retailers restock. Holiday sales (November-December) are pre-positioned via August-October import surge.

What are NY-NJ's main trade routes?

Primary routes include Asia-East Coast via Suez Canal (Shanghai, Ningbo, Qingdao) and trans-Atlantic from Northern Europe (Rotterdam, Hamburg, Antwerp). Intra-Americas services connect Caribbean transshipment hubs (Freeport, Kingston) and Panama Canal feeders from West Coast ports.

What is PNCT automation?

Port Newark Container Terminal (PNCT) is the US's largest automated terminal, using automated stacking cranes and driverless vehicles to move containers. The facility achieves 35+ container moves per hour per crane versus 25-28 at manual terminals, processing 1.6 million TEU with 50% fewer labor hours.

How seasonal is NY-NJ container traffic?

Peak season runs August-October (holiday imports), with September averaging 700,000+ TEU. Low season is January-February (post-holiday, pre-Chinese New Year) at 550,000-600,000 TEU. Q2 (April-June) shows moderate 625,000-650,000 TEU as spring restocking occurs.

What risks affect NY-NJ operations?

Key risks include Suez Canal disruptions (diversions to West Coast), labor negotiations (ILA East Coast contract expires 2024), chassis shortages (truck equipment constraints), and winter nor'easter storms causing 1-3 day closures. Hurricane season (August-October) overlaps with peak import period.

Does NY-NJ have warehouse capacity?

The NY-NJ metro area features 1.1 billion sq ft of warehouse space, concentrated in Central New Jersey (exit 8A corridor), Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley, and Newburgh, NY. Proximity to port enables same-day container pickup and next-day delivery to NYC metro consumers.

What is NY-NJ's dredging depth?

The port maintains 50-foot channel depth after the 2016 deepening project, accommodating fully laden 14,000 TEU ships. The raised Bayonne Bridge (215-foot clearance) and deep channels enable direct mega-ship calls, eliminating the lightering required when depth was 45 feet (pre-2016).

How does West Coast competition affect NY-NJ?

West Coast ports (LA/Long Beach) offer 5-7 day faster Asia transit but require 5-7 day rail to East Coast markets, totaling 18-20 days. NY-NJ via Suez takes 22-24 days ocean but serves East Coast directly. Total landed cost comparison favors NY-NJ for time-sensitive goods when Suez operates smoothly.

What is the truck-to-rail ratio?

Approximately 70% of NY-NJ containers move via truck (local NYC/NJ delivery), while 30% use ExpressRail for Midwest destinations. Rail penetration increased from 15% (2010) to 30% (2024) as on-dock facilities expanded, though truck remains dominant for local distribution.

Can I trade NY-NJ vs Savannah spreads?

Yes, spread markets predict the monthly TEU differential between ports. NY-NJ typically handles 1.0-1.5x Savannah's volume (NY-NJ ~650k TEU vs Savannah ~450-500k). Spread tightening indicates Savannah's Southeast market growth, while widening signals NYC import demand strength.

What is NY-NJ's future capacity expansion?

The Port Authority plans to expand capacity to 10 million TEU by 2030 through terminal automation (PNCT Phase 2), additional on-dock rail at GCT Bayonne, and berth deepening to accommodate 24,000 TEU vessels. ExpressRail expansion targets 1.2 million containers annually by 2028.

Sources

Disclaimer: Trading prediction markets involves risk. Port traffic is one of many factors affecting outcomes. Past patterns do not guarantee future results. This content is for informational purposes only, not investment advice.