News / US imports now Gulf-bound as port congestion worsens on the east coast

© John Wollwerth

US importers must be feeling like they’re stuck in a game of ’whack-a-mole’.

In response to congestion and concerns over likely further disruption at west coast gateways, many shifted some imports from Asia to the east coast – only to find congestion there getting worse than on the Pacific coast.

Last Wednesday, maritime analytics firm MarineTraffic counted 18 containerships waiting for berth space at the port of Charleston, and another 12 lining up at Norfolk.

There were more ships idling at Charleston than ...