Traffic at the Port of Long Beach declined 2.6 percent in February compared with the same month last year, according to figures released Tuesday.

More than 517,000 containers moved through the port in February. Imports were down 2.7 percent, but exports increased 2.1 percent, compared to the same period last year. The number of empty containers sent overseas to be filled with goods dropped 8.3 percent.

The port said in a statement that the numbers were affected by the celebration of Chinese New Year, during which many businesses in Asia were closed. The Port of Los Angeles, which released its cargo volume figures last Friday, also said Chinese New Year celebration had led to its 8.9 decline in February.