Increased Asian and Latin American trade helped container volume at the Port of New York and New Jersey grow 13% in 2002.
The Port Authority said it handled $89.8 billion worth of cargo, up 4.4% from 2001. Port Commerce Director Richard M. Larrabee said the New York-New Jersey port accounted for 59.6% of the containerized cargo handled by all North Atlantic ports, and 13.5% of all U.S. ports
"The strength and vitality of the port has clearly given the New York regional economy a needed boost at a critical time," New York Governor George E. Pataki said.
Imports from the Far East rose 23.6%, partly due to the West Coast port shutdown that took place in the fall. Latin American imports rose 23.3%.