After experiencing 15 consecutive months of cargo growth, the Port of Long Beach on Thursday, April 14, said it saw a 2.5 percent dip in container volume in March compared to the same period a year ago. According to the port, February and March typically are slower months for traffic as trade lags behind decreased manufacturing activity in Asia due to the Chinese New Year.
Overall, the port reported moving 412,235 20-foot equivalent container units in March compared to 422,774 TEUs in March 2010. Imports were down 7.5 percent to 191,211 TEUs, but exports were up 1 percent to 131,761 TEUs. Empty container moves were up 4.2 percent to 89,263 TEUs; most empty containers are bound overseas for refilling.
