US West Coast container traffic weaker in August

Containerized imports at West Coast ports declined again in August, indicating that the 2008 peak-shipping season in the trans-Pacific will be not much of a peak at all.

According to statistics published on the port Web sites, imports in Long Beach dropped 13.3 percent compared to August 2007. Imports increased 7.19 percent in Los Angeles, due primarily to the recent relocation of several services from neighboring Long Beach.

Taken as a whole, imports were down 2.4 percent in the Southern California port complex compared to the previous-year period.

Containerized imports declined 11.87 percent in Oakland, 24.6 percent in Seattle and 7.6 percent in Portland.

The peak-shipping season, which is in full swing, is expected to be modest by recent standards. According to the consulting firm Global Insight and the National Retail Federation, which co-publish the monthly Port Tracker, containerized imports through all major U.S. gateways will be lower each month through the end of the year than in the corresponding months the previous year.

For the year, Global Insight projects total inbound cargo volumes at U.S. ports will be off 6 percent compared to 2007.

Exports were strong in some West Coast ports and disappointing in others. Exports increased 27.6 percent in August in Los Angeles and 8.5 percent in Long Beach. Exports decreased 3.59 percent in Oakland, 18.1 percent in Seattle and 16.4 percent in Portland.