For the second consecutive year, exports through the Port of Los Angeles hit an all-time high last year, according to figures released Tuesday.

Through December, 2.11 million loaded cargo containers were shipped abroad from the port, up 14.5 percent from 2010, which had been the port’s best export year. Imports increased 2.3 percent year-over-year to 4.06 million.

Overall, the port handled 7.94 million containers, including empty containers, a 1.4 percent rise from a year earlier.

Exports at the port have been helped by the continued weakness of the U.S. dollar. Business also has been boosted by the arrival of terminal operator California United Terminals, which moved from the Port of Long Beach in late 2010.

“We’re fortunate to have stronger year-over-year results in 2011 but we are not resting on our laurels as the nation’s premier trade gateway,” said Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa in a statement, noting that the city is planning $1.5 billion in capital improvements at the port over the next five years.

For the month of December, the port also showed gains in all categories compared with December of the previous year. Exports jumped 9.2 percent 176,530 containers and imports rose 6.4 percent to 318,355. Total volume was up 6 percent to 649,468.