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.
The May data once again showed continued slowing in trade activity for the state. While the May numbers show improvements on a monthly basis from April, total trade through the state’s ports was down $6.5 billion compared to May 2022. Compared to pre-pandemic levels in May 2019, origin exports were off 11.4% in real terms, and destination imports down 4.7% in real terms.
California Goods Exports
Total California goods exports were down $1.4 billion from May 2022 (down 8.3%). California remained in 2nd place with 8.8% of all US goods exports (12 month moving total), behind Texas at 22.8%.
California Goods Imports
Total California destination goods imports dropped $6.4 billion from May 2022 (down 14.5%).
Top 20 Exports, May 2023
Top 20 exports by value are shown below, along with the change from May 2022.