1996 California Trade Rose by $12 billion Last Year, to $318 Billion; L.A. up 3.6%, San Francisco up 2.6%, San Diego Leads with 23% Jump

In 1996, Los Angeles maintained its stranding as the busiest customs district in the nation with $170.1 billion in international trade moving through the district, an increase of 3.6% over 1995 levels. According to CMC-Tradeweek Regional Trade Report, San Francisco posted a 2.7% increase to $105.5 billion in total trade in 1996, coming in fourth in total volume behind L.A., New York and Detroit. San Diego's customs district ranked 21st in the nation, at $18.4 billion, but posted one of the largest percentage gains, growing a whopping 23% over 1995 figures.

Growth in the Los Angeles customs district resulted largely from a 16.3% increase in trade with China, bringing the annual trade with that nation to $21.2 billion. Japan continues to be L.A.'s biggest trading partner, especially in receipt of L.A. exports. In 1996, L.A. exports to Japan topped $16 billion, an increase of more than $500 million over the previous year. Included among the list of exports fueling L.A.'s trade increase were computer circuits and parts, aircraft, cotton, cars, and auto parts. Top imports included computers and parts, cars, telephone and office equipment, footwear and consumer electronics

Volume 4, Bulletin 12 -- April 10, 1997