The Port of Hueneme realized its highest international trade year in its 77-year history and its second-highest year for domestic and international freight combined. The benchmark year included a 30% increase in auto exports. The total tonnage for FY 2013-2014 came in at a strong 1,438,596 metric tons representing a less than 1% decrease from last year’s all-time high.
Strong growth in freight activity was seen in the Port’s niche markets of automobiles, high and heavy cargos, fresh produce, fertilizer, and domestic commodities. Automobile imports boasted a robust 7.1% increase over last fiscal year while exports exploded by 31% over 2013 scoring the second best year on record. A large percentage of the export increase was driven by more foreign manufacturers such as Honda, Toyota, Nissan, and Acura operating from new facilities within the United States and sending their U.S. manufactured autos to the Asian market.