Port Houston hosted the first American Institute of International Steel “SteelCON” Supply Chain Conference at the Houstonian Hotel May 19. The event provided steel expert analysis in key areas such as shipping, logistics, customs and international trade.

Port Commissioner Theldon Branch III provided the keynote address at the event. “Steel and breakbulk cargo of all kinds are a keenly important component of our cargo mix,” said Branch. “Houston is basically a commercial window to the world, in terms of both imports and exports.”

Branch noted that the port handled close to 10 million tons of total cargo during the first quarter of 2017 with an increase of steel imports by 11 percent. “That’s a good sign that we will see an increase from the 2.3 million tons of steel handled in 2016,” added Branch.

Steel is one of the port’s largest imported commodities and is a major component involved in the structure and activity of buildings, infrastructure, tools, ships, automobiles, machines and appliances.

“Port Houston has been a leader of steel industry for many years and we truly value the partnerships that we have been able to develop,” said Branch.