Ports feel economy's blues

There are signs that the global economic crisis is catching up to the Ports of Savannah and Brunswick. After years of double-digit growth, the Georgia Ports Authority says, import-export activity is now more or less flat.

Total tonnage for the last quarter was up 1% while container traffic was down 5% over last year. G.P.A. spokesman Robert Morris says, many factors are contributing to the slump, including the free-falling auto industry, affecting the Port of Brunswick.

"Colonel's Island is primarily designated for the import and export of autos as well as for agribulk and agribulk -- grain and other commodities -- is actually one of the bright spots," Morris says.

Heavy exports like kaolin, wood pulp, poultry and chicken feed kept export numbers high while the sluggish consumer goods market pushed import numbers down.

Another bright spot is that market share is up. Morris says, that positions Georgia well for the eventual return of economic growth.