Container Volume Grows at California Ports

Container volumes at California’s ports increased in July over the same month last year, with imports leading the way.

According to port statistics, imports in Los Angeles were up 21 percent. Imports increased 11.5 percent in Long Beach and 16.8 percent in Oakland compared to July 2009.

Exports were up 5.9 percent in Los Angeles, 13.1 percent in Long Beach and 0.4 percent in Oakland.

Total container volume, including imports, exports and empty containers, was up 26.8 percent in Los Angeles, 9.2 percent in Long Beach and 16.3 percent in Oakland.

Empties were especially strong in Los Angeles, increasing 62 percent compared to July 2009, as carriers repositioned the empty containers to Asia in preparation for the peak-shipping season in the eastbound Pacific.

Some industry analysts believe that the growth in containerized imports will level off in the coming months as many retailers shipped early this year in order to replenish their inventories. Also, these analysts say consumer spending this summer has not been as strong as anticipated.

Exports tapered off during the summer months, as normally happens, but exports are expected to come back strongly in late fall, led by agricultural shipments. Exports could be stronger than usual this year as the U.S. steps in to make up for cotton and grain shortfalls in some countries that compete in the export markets.

--Contact Bill Mongelluzzo at bmongelluzzo@joc.com.