Imports to Southland Ports Fell in March

Imports to the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach fell in March as U.S. shoppers reduced spending on retail items from furniture to clothing to automobiles.

Combined shipments into the two largest U.S. ports fell 3% last month to 390,500 20-foot-long containers from 402,400 in March 2001. Exports rose 4.6% to 180,500 containers.

“Demand is getting stronger, but it’s still erratic,” said Art Wong, a spokesman for the Port of Long Beach.

Shipments from Long Beach rose 4.1% to 87,800 containers, preliminary data showed. Exports from Los Angeles rose 5% to 92,700 containers.

Imports to Long Beach slumped 12.1%, while imports through Los Angeles rose 5.8%. The number of empty containers shipped from Long Beach rose 4.4%, while exports of empties from Los Angeles jumped 17%.