Container handling growth through California’s largest three ports – Long Beach, LA and Oakland – increased by just 3.0% in January after import growth of 1.6% outpacing exports’ 2.3% contraction. The slowdown from total growth of 7.7% in 4Q is largely a result of reduced imports to LA and Long Beach from China. The latter dropped 9.2% year over year in January and accounted for 62.8% of inbound volumes in 2018. The outlook for the Southern Californian ports will depend on the outcome of U.S.-China trade talks. A delay in a final decision for 60 days from March 1 may lead to a renewed su...