February container volumes decrease following Chinese New Year

The Port of Los Angeles has released its February 2014 cargo volumes. February overall volumes decreased 8.9% compared to February 2013. The decrease is due in part to the Chinese New Year, which closed many factories in Asia for two to three weeks in February. Last year, the holiday had a negative impact on March container volumes.

Container imports decreased 10.6%, from 318,547 TEU in February 2013 to 284,812 TEU in February 2014. Exports dropped 6.2%, from 156,690 TEU in February 2013 to 146,925 TEU in February 2014.

Combined, total loaded imports and exports for February decreased 9.1%, from 475,237 TEU in February 2013 to 431,738 TEU in February 2014. Factoring in empties, which decreased 8.3% year over year, overall February 2014 volumes (559,786 TEU) fell 8.9% compared to February 2013 (614,948 TEU). < Korea Shipping Gazette >