THE Port of Long Beach posted a 12 per cent year-on-year increase in March container volume to 461,600 TEU, port officials announced, giving rise to hopes of continued recovery, reports the Long Beach Press-Telegram.

After February's decline - attributed to the timing of this year's Chinese New Year - cargo bounced back in March, port officials said.

Imports boxes increased 18.3 per cent while exports were up 10 per cent year on year. Import containers accounted for 226,150 TEU in March, compared to 191,200 TEU in the same period last year. Export containers hit 144,850 TEU compared to 131,750 TEU in March 2011.

Year to date, volumes were down 2.9 per cent, compared to the first three months of 2011. Empties were stable, up 1.5 per cent to 90,600 TEU compared to 89,250 TEU a year ago.