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As the nation’s major ports add up the number of 20-foot-containers processed at their facilities in 2019, the numbers either slightly exceeded or came close to breaking 2018’s record-level figures, despite a year of diminished trade with China because of the Trump administration’s tariffs.

The adoption of information and communication technology can help facilitate operations at ports, according to Agustina Calatayud, senior transport specialist at the Inter-American Development Bank.

Federal grant money has been awarded to fund equipment upgrades and training geared toward attracting more cargo to the Port of Monroe in Michigan.

Beginning in February, there will be a new president of Ports America, the largest marine terminal operator and stevedore in North America.

Ports on the East Coast are enjoying an uptick in volume thanks to infrastructure improvements, expanded sea routes and the positive effects that the United States’ ongoing trade war with China are having for other countries, while these same factors are contributing to drop-offs for West Coast ports.

Three West Coast ports saw significant drop-offs in cargo volume last month, the latest indication that the United States’ long-simmering trade dispute with China is impacting operations at the nation’s ports.

The sheer volume of wind turbine blades, towers and other parts moving through Duluth, Minn., in 2019 surpassed record tonnage totals this week by reaching 306,000 freight tons.

While the holiday shipping season is keeping import volume steady for some of the nation’s busiest ports, executives are raising concerns about the long-term effects an extended trade battle with China could have on exports, and business overall.

The port of Calais on France’s northern coast has spent 6 million euros ($6.6 million) on facilities for customs officers, updated signage around freshly painted roads and huge extra parking lots for trucks. It may all end up being pointless.

U.S. seaports are investing in larger cranes and deepening channels to remain competitive.