Imports into the San Pedro Bay rose slightly in March compared to the previous year, even as the nation saw fewer shipments come in from its largest trading partner, China.

The twin ports, the nation’s largest importer of Asian goods, handled 2.2% more inbound cargo than it did during the same time last year, while overall volumes remained about flat.

Nationally, imports grew 6.7% in March compared to the previous year, according to research from Panjiva, a supply-chain research unit of S&P Global Market Intelligence. But the research firm found a decline in goods from China, as companies shifted their supply chains to other Asian countries.

Late last year, many importers rushed to receive goods before the Trump administration imposed new tariffs on Chinese goods. The threated tariffs have been put on hold for now and Long Beach Harbor Commission President Tracy Egoscue said she is projecting modest growth going forward.

Port of Long Beach imports fell 7.8% in March and exports declined 7.7%. At the Port of Los Angeles, imports rose 12.4% while exports slipped 2.9%

The National Retail Federation and the consulting firm Hackett Associates, which monitors major retail U.S. ports, projects a continued year-over-year rise of imports nationally into summer.

Manufacturing, retail and trade reporter Rachel Uranga can be reached at [email protected] or (323) 549-5225 ext. 251. Follow her on Twitter @racheluranga