Container cargo volume dips in March

After experiencing 15 consecutive months of cargo growth, the Port of Long Beach saw a 2.5 percent dip in container volume in March compared to the same period a year ago.

February and March are typically slower months for Port traffic as trade lags behind decreased manufacturing activity in Asia due to the Chinese New Year. Overall, the Port moved 412,235 twenty-foot equivalent container units last month compared to 422,774 TEU in March 2010.

Imports were down 7.5 percent to 191,211 TEU, but exports were up by 1 percent to 131,761 TEU. Empty container moves were up 4.2 percent to 89,263 TEU. Most empty containers are bound overseas for refilling. <Korea Shipping Gazette>