US west coast imports up 5pc, but exports lead growth with 8pc rise

US west coast container throughput increased seven per cent in April year on year with export growth surpassing that of imports, according to the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) data.

The PMA said the volume of export containers out of Washington, Oregon and California increased eight per cent in April year on year while import box growth lagged at five per cent.


This pattern was repeated in the first four months of the year when laden boxes from January through April increased nine per cent with exports rising 10 per cent, while imports only increased eight per cent.


LA-Long Beach total box volume was up nine per cent in the first four months with exports and imports both growing nine per cent. LA-LB imports were strong after a half-dozen small shipping lines began, or expanded operations in the last year between China and southern California.


The PMA said the smaller carriers tend to have higher vessel utilisation rates eastbound than westbound.


Export-strong Oakland posted a nine per cent increase with imports coming in with a five per cent increase. Seattle-Tacoma export box cargo increased 12 per cent in the first four months while import boxes rose five per cent. From a low base, Portland posted the biggest percentage increase: 26 per cent for exports and 17 per cent for imports.