Combined imports at the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles grew 2.5 percent in March compared to the same month a year ago, a sharp slowdown that included a 7.5 percent drop in import container volume at Long Beach, Journal of Commerce reports.
Imports in Los Angeles were up 10.2 percent. Overall container volume at the Port of Los Angeles in March increased 9.2 percent over March of 2010 while neighboring Long Beach reported a 2.5 percent decrease in total container volume.
Exports outperformed imports at both ports, foreshadowing what is expected to be a strong year for exports from the U.S. Containerized exports in Los Angeles increased 19.2 percent over March 2010 and exports increased 1 percent in Long Beach.
February and March are normally slow months for imports in the trans-Pacific due to the closing of factories in Asia for the Chinese New Year. Imports are expected to pick up in April and build momentum through the summer as the trade approaches the peak shipping season.
U.S. exports are growing strongly this year due to a weak dollar, which make U.S. goods more competitive overseas, growing consumer demand in Asia and a surge in agricultural exports as American exporters fill the void in overseas markets resulting from poor harvests in some countries.
The first quarter of the year was relatively strong as it was compared to a strong first quarter in 2010. Los Angeles in the first three months of the year reported an increase of 10.2 percent in total traffic while Long Beach volumes increased 6.4 percent compared to the first quarter of 2010.
Imports in Los Angeles were up 10.2 percent. Overall container volume at the Port of Los Angeles in March increased 9.2 percent over March of 2010 while neighboring Long Beach reported a 2.5 percent decrease in total container volume.
Exports outperformed imports at both ports, foreshadowing what is expected to be a strong year for exports from the U.S. Containerized exports in Los Angeles increased 19.2 percent over March 2010 and exports increased 1 percent in Long Beach.
February and March are normally slow months for imports in the trans-Pacific due to the closing of factories in Asia for the Chinese New Year. Imports are expected to pick up in April and build momentum through the summer as the trade approaches the peak shipping season.
U.S. exports are growing strongly this year due to a weak dollar, which make U.S. goods more competitive overseas, growing consumer demand in Asia and a surge in agricultural exports as American exporters fill the void in overseas markets resulting from poor harvests in some countries.
The first quarter of the year was relatively strong as it was compared to a strong first quarter in 2010. Los Angeles in the first three months of the year reported an increase of 10.2 percent in total traffic while Long Beach volumes increased 6.4 percent compared to the first quarter of 2010.