The Houston Ship Channel region’s total trade tonnage rose 16 percent year to date through June, driven by a 22 percent increase in exports, even as imports declined 4 percent. Port Houston handled nearly 2.6 million TEUs through July, up 1 percent, with East Asia driving 10 percent growth in loaded container imports. Total deep draft vessel transits rose 7 percent year to date, while general cargo tonnage climbed 35 percent. Steel volumes and total Port Houston terminal tonnage both declined amid shifting trade flows.