Mixed bag on port traffic

Overall activity at the Port of Los Angeles was up almost 25 percent in August, to the highest level in four years. However, much more cargo was coming in than going out - inbound traffic was up 23.3 percent from a year earlier, and outbound was down almost 2 percent. Keep in mind that the economy was still in the doldrums a year ago, so the big percentage jump should be taken in context. Also keep in mind that the drop in outbound activity suggests that exports, which had been one of the economy's few strong suits, is taking a downward turn. The big question is what to make in the surge of goods coming into the U.S. Does this reflect a belief among retailers that the holiday shopping season won't be so bad after all? Or not?