West Coast Ports container volume down 1 percent
April was a disappointing month for West Coast ports, with total container volume declining 1 percent from the same month last year, the Journal of Commerce reported.
According to the latest statistics published by the Pacific Maritime Association, containerized imports moving through the West Coast increased 1 percent in April, but exports declined by 3 percent.
Seattle and Tacoma were the only West Coast ports reporting an increase in imports, with containerized imports increasing 6 percent compared to April 2011. Imports declined 5 percent in Portland and Oakland and 1 percent in Los Angeles-Long Beach.
Exports were down 3 percent in Los Angeles-Long Beach in April, 8 percent in Oakland and 2 percent in Seattle-Tacoma, possibly reflecting slowing economies in Asia and Europe. Portland recorded a 31 percent increase in exports in April, although Portland starts from a smaller cargo base.
April’s lackluster performance dragged down year-to-date numbers for West Coast ports. In the first four months of 2012, total container volumes were up 1 percent compared to the same period last year. Imports were up 1 percent through April and exports also increased 1 percent year-to-date compared to 2011.