The November trade numbers saw a general decline as pandemic period patterns began to reverse and as China experienced continued lockdowns. Total trade through the state’s ports dropped both in nominal and real terms from November 2021, and was down in real terms compared to pre-pandemic November 2019. Origin exports were down 1.0% nominal (-3.5% real) from the prior year, and down 0.3% nominal (-12.2% real) from November 2019. Destination imports fell more sharply, down 10.6% (-12.9% real) from the prior year, but saw little change in real terms (down 2.5%) from November 2019.

The drop in trade activity was also seen in the continued easing in supply chain congestion. In their latest report, Marine Exchange of Southern California indicates the San Pedro Bay ports have remained free of backups since November 22. The situation has in fact reversed with the ports now reporting open berths. Globally, similar easing has come from declining trade levels. The New York Federal Reserve’s Global Supply Chain Pressure Index remains somewhat elevated due to continued factors in Asia, but is down sharply from its peak in December 2021.

The full report can be read here.