Imports down, exports up in Long Beach port

Containerized cargo at the Port of Long Beach declined 19.6 percent in November, 2009 compared to the same period of 2008, but the overall downward trend showed signs of easing.

The Port's shipping terminals moved a total of 448,151 TEU in November, 2009 compared to 557,459 TEU a year ago.

Imported cargo dropped 14.7 percent, to 228,347 TEU, from last year. Exports inched up by 4 percent, to 114,283 TEU. The number of empty containers, most of which are sent overseas to be refilled with products, declined by 41.3 percent to 105,521 TEU.

So far in 2009, overall container trade is down by 24.1 percent compared to the same period in 2008. <Korea Shipping Gazette>