The share of total US goods trade (exports and imports) through California ports dipped to 17.96% (12-month moving average; compared to 18.10% in May 2021 and 17.49% in June 2020).

California remained the #1 state, ahead of Texas with 17.26% (compared to 17.16% in May 2021 and 17.38% in June 2020). Trade through the Atlantic port states was at 30.43% (compared to 30.44% in May 2021 and 30.37% in June 2020). The state’s continued to lead in this area forms the trade-related base for one of California’s largest centers of middle-class, blue-collar jobs. Transportation & Warehousing alone provided 699,300 jobs in June.

While the total trade flows were up 25.4% from last June, this rise reflects the recovery of trade from pandemic lows rather than the overall growth in this activity—as is the case with all other 12-month rates below. Compared to pre-pandemic June 2019, total trade flows were up 3.9% on an annual basis. In real terms (using personal consumption expenditures excluding food and energy index), the annual increase was only 1.6%, an indication that trade levels have largely recovered rather than substantially grown.

Total California goods exports were up $3.3 billion from June 2020 (recovered 27.8%). In real terms, goods exports rose only 0.9% on an annual basis compared to June 2019. California remained in 2nd place with 10.64% of all US goods exports (12-month moving total), behind Texas at 19.84%.

California’s balance of goods trade activity through state businesses broadened to -$24.9 billion, compared to a level of -$20.6 billion in June 2020. California trade accounted for 26% of the US trade deficit in goods in June 2021.