Growth in container traffic in Rotterdam port is likely to slow in 2008 but robust business from Asia should largely offset any overall effects of a slowing US economy, according to the port’s chief executive.
Hans Smits said that while Europe's biggest port had seen lower growth than expected in container volumes in the first few months of the year, this was balanced by increased traffic in other areas such as petroleum oil products and minerals.
Rotterdam expects a slowdown in the United States having a limited effect on Europe's economy, that could have some impact on the port's overall growth in the second half of the year.
"But we grow mainly because of the goods coming in from Asia, so the impact of the United States slowing down will be small," Smits said.
The port is also continuing to assess investment opportunities abroad, particularly in India. The port has said it plans to expand into India this year, and is looking at several possibilities.
CargonewsAsia
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