Oakland, Calif. - Port of Oakland import volume dipped last month while export growth flattened during a seasonal lull in containerized trade.

The Port reported today that March imports declined 1.9 percent compared to March 2017.  Exports were essentially flat – down just 0.5 percent.

The Port attributed declining import volume to post-Lunar New Year holidays in Asia.  Shipments traditionally slump as factories that produce many U.S.-bound goods temporarily shut down, the Port explained.

Oakland exports remained virtually unchanged after three consecutive months of growth. The Port said China’s restrictions on recyclable commodities such as waste paper contributed to the export growth pause.