Port retailers to see growth despite sequestration

Port Everglades
Port Everglades

Despite federal spending cuts which are expected to slow growth at the nation’s ports, import cargo volume at retail container ports is expected to increase 2.3 percent in March over the same month last year, according to a Global Port Tracker report, cited by the South Florida Business Journal.

“Retailers are aware of the impact of the cuts on Customs operations at the ports and are working to plan accordingly so the impact on merchandise headed for the store shelves is minimized,” Jonathan Gold, NRF vice president for customs policy, said. “This is a situation the industry is monitoring very closely.”

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As Port Everglades prepares for mandatory cuts — frequently referred to as “the sequester” or “sequestration” —  the port, which is staffed by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Protection, has been able to make adjustments in personnel, the Business Journal said. But port officials admitted that it is still too early to tell if there will be more significant impacts later on. [SFBJ]Christopher Cameron