Container volumes at West Coast ports declined 1 percent in September compared to September 2011, dragged down by exports.
According to numbers posted on the Pacific Maritime Association Web site, containerized exports in September were down 3 percent from the same month last year. The economic recession in Europe is hurting manufacturing in Asia. When Asian factories produce less, U.S. exports of raw materials to those factories decline.
Meanwhile, containerized imports at West Coast ports increased in September. Imports were up 2 percent compared to the same month last year as holiday merchandise entered the U.S.
Year-to-date numbers in all categories remained positive through September. Total container volume was up 2 percent, with imports also up 2 percent and exports up 1 percent year-to-date.
The Journal of Commerce
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