Led by almonds and walnuts, California exports slipped slightly in March but managed to do better than Texas, its primary shipping rival, and the rest of the USA.
California businesses shipped merchandise valued at $14.9 billion in March, down about 3 percent from $15.4 billion in March 2014, according to an analysis of the latest U.S. Commerce Department figures by Beacon Economics, a consulting firm.
By comparison, Beacon noted, exports from Texas plunged by 12.1 percent and overall U.S. exports saw a 6.1 percent decline year over year.
On the import side, California took in $35.19 billion in March, up from $30.3 billion in March 2014. Since goods entering California go to other states, exports are considered a more accurate measure of the state’s trade health.