The Journal of Commerce reported that combined imports into the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach grew 23.9 percent in August over the same month a year ago.
Containerized imports in Los Angeles were up 23.3 percent compared to August 2009 and neighboring Long Beach saw imports increase 24.5 percent over the same month last year.
With August turning out to be a good month in the eastbound Pacific, the peak season months of September and October may also be better than anticipated. That would be good news for shipping lines, which have seen freight rates drift lower in recent weeks. The Port of Los Angeles noted the number of empty containers being returned to Asia to be reloaded with import cargo for the U.S. was up 56.6 percent compared to August 2009.
Exports should pick up in late fall and stay strong into the winter months. Agricultural exports such as grains and cotton are projected to be larger than usual because of poor harvests in some other exporting nations.