Container volume moving through West Coast ports increased 7 percent in April compared to April 2010, with export growth outpacing import growth.
According to the Pacific Maritime Association, containerized exports moving through gateways in Washington, Oregon and California increased 8 percent in April compared to April 2010, while imports increased only 5 percent.
A similar pattern emerged during the first four months of 2011. Total loaded containers January through April increased 9 percent over the same period last year. Exports were up 10 percent and imports increased 8 percent.