Is there a new boom time coming for US terminals?

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After APMT sells Virginia to managed investment funds, is there a new boom time for US terminals? Yes, according to transport analyst Drewry. It says that the US container terminal sector is once again a hot spot for acquisitions and mergers. In its weekly Container Insight report Drewry says that the M&A activity in the US port sector is currently at its highest level since the pre-financial crisis boom time of the mid-2000s. However, it notes that the rationale for today’s deals is different in that there are no longer expectations of double-digit growth; rather prices are lower, terminal tariffs remain some of the highest in the world, the US is low-risk and finally, cost-cutting automation is gathering pace at US ports.