L.A., Long Beach Ports See Rise in Imports

Imports through the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, the two largest U.S. seaports, rose in March, compared with the same period a year earlier. Shipments arriving at No. 1 Port of Los Angeles rose 14% above year-ago volume, to 207,000 20-foot-long containers. Imports through the Port of Long Beach increased 9.6% last month, to 196,000 containers, from 178,000 in March 2000. The rise in imports reflects confidence among retailers that consumer spending will strengthen in the next few months, said Al Fierstine, director of business development at the Port of Los Angeles. “I think you’re starting to see a lot of the spring merchandise coming in.” The picture for exports at the two harbors was mixed. Exports from the Port of Los Angeles rose 6.5% last month to 88,000 containers, from 83,000 a year earlier. Compared with year-ago volumes, March exports from the Port of Long Beach fell for a fifth consecutive month, declining 13.8%.