By Karen Robes Meeks
Import volumes at the Port of Oakland were down about 1.9 percent in March, while exports dipped slightly by 0.5 percent when compared to the same period a year ago, according to the port.
The lower numbers were expected as much of Asia slowed down their activities for about two weeks to celebrate the Lunar New Year. In February, import volumes were up 14.9 percent, an indication that customers rushed to ship goods before factories closed for the holiday.
“Oakland exports remained virtually unchanged after three consecutive months of growth,” the port reported, adding that “China’s restrictions on recyclable commodities such as waste paper contributed to the export growth pause.”
