Container Imports in L.A., Long Beach Hit High for 2012, But Exports Not Keeping Pace

Exports declined at both ports, dropping 2.56 percent in Los Angeles and 2.8 percent in Long Beach. Exports should turn around beginning in November and remain positive into next spring as the peak season for exports runs from late fall to early spring.

September and October are usually the busiest months of the year in the eastbound trans-Pacific as retailers stock their shelves for the holiday shopping season. Industry analysts have indicated that this should be a traditional peak season with October being the busiest month of the year for West Coast ports.

East Coast ports were busier than usual this summer as retailers shipped some of their holiday merchandise early in anticipation of the expiration of the International Longshoremen's Association contract on Sept. 30.

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