The move toward “near-sourcing” is underway. … Also called “reverse globalization” or “shortening the supply chain,” near-sourcing describes the return of American manufacturing in order to decrease shipping expenses. As freight costs remain high, globalization has become less competitive and is expected to remain so for the foreseeable future. …
Container movement trends confirm a shift in U.S. outbound volume. … As Mexican imports are strengthening, conversely Asian imports are softening. For instance, the Port of Long Beach is receiving fewer loaded containers. In its July 2008 monthly tonnage report, Long Beach reports an 18.1 percent decrease in loaded inbound containers to approximately 272,000, down from approximately 332,000 over the prior year.
