Bill Mongelluzzo | Jan 05, 2010 1:27PM EST
Container traffic moving through West Coast ports increased 3 percent in November compared to November 2008, marking the first monthly year-over-year increase in 2009.
Total imports and exports in November were also up 1 percent over October traffic, although the volume was down 1 percent from the peak month in August, according to statistics published by the Pacific Maritime Association.
The recovery in November was led by exports, with containerized exports from West Coast ports up 22 percent compared to the same month in 2008. November's exports were the highest of the year and were up 1 percent over October exports.
Containerized imports were down 7 percent compared to November 2008, although they were up 1 percent from October. Imports through West Coast ports were down 2 percent from the August peak.
The 11-month cumulative numbers show that the trade recession is gradually easing after a difficult year. Total container traffic at West Coast ports January through November was down 16 percent. Imports were especially hard hit, down 19 percent over the 11-month period, and exports were down 11 percent.
Contact Bill Mongelluzzo at bmongelluzzo@joc.com.
