Economic slump expected to reduce Los Angeles port volume

LOS ANGELES (AP): The busiest port complex in the U.S. could see its first decline in container traffic in four years because of the housing market slump and a loss of consumer confidence that is making retailers cautious about importing goods. 

Volume at the adjoining Los Angeles and Long Beach ports had been expected to increase by 5 percent to 9 percent this year over 2006 figures, but now container traffic may remain flat or even decline, officials said Friday.