The JOC Top 100 Importers: Analyzing the Rankings

Total containerized trade into and out of the US rose 7.8 percent last year, as a 13.1 percent increase in import volumes more than offset a 3.1 percent decline in exports, according to PIERS, a sister product of The Journal of Commerce within S&P Global. Import gains were broad-based, with double-digit percentage growth in automobiles and parts, household goods, toys, and clothing as consumers emerging from social isolation thanks to COVID-19 vaccines continued to spend the majority of their money on goods, rather than services such as travel and in-person entertainment. Although they did not rise as rapidly as other commodities, imports of electronics and foodstuffs continued on their long-term growth trajectory, reflecting a growing US economy in which low unemployment and even lower interest rates drove strong consumer spending.

This webcast, the first in a two-part series around the JOC Top 100 Importers & Exporters rankings, will analyze the changes in consumption brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting “stay-at-home” surge in consumer goods imports, as well as the near-term outlook for specific commodity segments. It will include a review of the 100 largest US containerized importers in 2021, including a breakdown by sector and commodity, followed by discussion with representatives from two Top 100 importers about their supply chain challenges and how they’re addressing them.

Moderator: Mark Szakonyi, Executive Editor, JOC.com and The Journal of Commerce, Maritime & Trade, S&P Global

Speaker(s):

Dan L. Gardner, President and Co-Founder, Trade Facilitators Inc.

Steve Hughes, President and CEO, HCS International

*Check back soon for more information!

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