Below are highlights from the recently released trade data from the US Census Bureau and US Bureau of Economic Analysis. To view additional data and analysis related to the California economy visit our website at www.centerforjobs.org/ca.

While still high by historical standards, trade through the state’s ports fell by $6.2 billion (-7.4%) compared to July due to lower imports, but by only $1.2 billion (-1.5%) compared to August 2024.  Comparing the same month in the prior year, origin exports saw their first dip in 2025, falling $0.7 billion (-4.5%).  Origin imports saw far deeper losses, down $5.1 billion (-11.6%) from July and down $3.8 billion (-9.1%) from August 2024, as shippers pulled back after accelerating holiday shipments due to tariff uncertainty.

Even with the lower traffic levels in August, year-to-date activity at the state’s ports remains well ahead of prior years, measured both in nominal and real terms.

Import prices again remained at the relatively stable level that began last year.  Export prices, however, continued a rise that began early this year.

Removing the more volatile fuels component, import prices have reversed the mild price deflation seen over the past several months.

Top 20 exports by value are shown below, along with the change from August 2024.