The Georgia Ports Authority announced Monday that the Port of Savannah posted its second highest monthly volume ever in April with 260,035 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs), which was a 8.5-percent increase compared with April 2010.

“Savannah’s surprisingly strong container volume for April reflects continued overall demand tied with the global economic recovery,” said GPA’s Executive Director Curtis J. Foltz. “Export volume growth remained robust due to increased demand for semi-finished/raw materials and grain-based commodities, as well as a competitive U.S. dollar.”

Export loaded container volumes continued to outpace import growth, reflecting record container tonnage for April with 1,996,346 tons.

“Georgia’s ports serve as an economic catalyst for the Southeast,” said GPA Chairman of the Board Alec L. Poitevint. “Additional cargo, especially export commodities, translates into new jobs for our entire region.”

Overall break-bulk tonnage for April totaled 207,103 tons, which was a 29.3-percent increase compared to the previous year. The Port of Savannah’s Ocean Terminal handled 111,685 tons during April, which was a 40.3-percent increase. This growth was due to the global demand for iron/steel, lumber and machinery. Also, the Port of Brunswick experienced growth in linerboard and woodpulp.

Colonel’s Island Terminal in Brunswick handled 38,010 auto and machinery units in April, which was a 12.4-percent increase compared with April 2010. Roll-on/roll-off volume at the facility has increased 46.6 percent for the fiscal year (July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012).