West Coast Port Volume: Imports Continue To Surge

The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach together account for 40% of total port traffic in the US, so they are important economic indicators worth following. Overall port traffic was strong in September, thanks to a surge in imports offsetting some weakness in exports (at least in Los Angeles). The data indicates the US trade deficit will continue to increase and negatively impact GDP.

LA Port Volume:
September                                  2010            2009              Percent Change

Loaded Inbound                    373,249.35     309,078.30            +20.76%
Loaded Outbound                 139,800.25     140,271.00              -0.34%
Total Loaded                        513,049.60     449,349.30            +14.18%
Total Empty                          198,563.40     134,207.70            +47.95%
Total                                     711,613.00     583,557.00            +21.94%

Long Beach Port Volume:
September                                2010                2009              Percent Change

Loaded Inbound                     288,905          224,924                 +28.4%
Loaded Outbound                  124,021          109,337                 +13.4% 
Empties                                  161,864          106,103                 +52.6%
TOTAL (T.E.U.)                      574,790          440,364                 +30.5%

West Coast Port Volume: Imports Continue To Surge