West Coast Container Imports Fell 7 Percent in September

Container volume at West Coast ports declined 2 percent year-over year in September, as a 7 percent drop in imports further reinforced a disappointing peak shipping season.

Containerized exports, which had been rather strong all year, increased only 1 percent compared to September 2010, according to numbers published on the Pacific Maritime Association website.

September’s container volumes were also down compared to the previous month. Total container volume declined 4 percent from August. Imports were also down 4 percent and exports dropped 3 percent from August.

Container volumes year-to-date remained positive, due to a strong beginning to the year. Total container volume through September was up 3 percent. Exports increased 9 percent but imports were down 1 percent compared to the first nine months of 2010.

-- Contact Bill Mongelluzzo at bmongelluzzo@joc.com. Follow him on Twitter @billmongelluzzo.