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Three West Coast ports saw significant drop-offs in cargo volume last month, the latest indication that the United States’ long-simmering trade dispute with China is impacting operations at the nation’s ports.

The sheer volume of wind turbine blades, towers and other parts moving through Duluth, Minn., in 2019 surpassed record tonnage totals this week by reaching 306,000 freight tons.

While the holiday shipping season is keeping import volume steady for some of the nation’s busiest ports, executives are raising concerns about the long-term effects an extended trade battle with China could have on exports, and business overall.

The port of Calais on France’s northern coast has spent 6 million euros ($6.6 million) on facilities for customs officers, updated signage around freshly painted roads and huge extra parking lots for trucks. It may all end up being pointless.

U.S. seaports are investing in larger cranes and deepening channels to remain competitive.

Total Transportation Services Inc., a Southern California drayage company, will replace its entire diesel trucking fleet with near-zero emission natural-gas trucks.

LONG BEACH, Calif. — A panel representing the shipping industry spoke about the looming International Maritime Organization mandate that will require cargo vessels to burn low-sulfur diesel, and shippers and carriers said the requirements could lead to price increases or the rerouting of freight.

Major U.S. seaports posted growth in containerized cargo volume for August, the start of the season when retailers begin importing holiday merchandise.

TAMPA — In three months this spring, Port Tampa Bay saw four members of its leadership team resign. Normal turnover, port officials say. But two of those departing employees hinted or said outright they felt not all was well.