Lunar New Year was earlier this year (Jan. 30) than last year, shifting the impact that results from factories closing for two weeks of celebration.
Container volumes at North American West Coast ports declined in February as factories in Asia closed for the Chinese New Year celebration. Imports dropped 8 percent, exports were down 3 percent and total containerized volume declined 6 percent, according to numbers posted on the Pacific Maritime Association website.
Release of the March numbers next month should show a rebound because manufacturing activity was back at normal levels.