Container volumes handled by the port of New Orleans fell 2% on a year earlier in February, the third straight decline and the result of a 5% slide in imports. While that was slower than the 7% decline experienced nationally, the port’s high exposure to south America was a problem as inbound volumes from there fell as much as 25%, Panjiva data shows. Exports did better with a 2% rise, matching a pattern seen across east- and west-coast ports. Going forward other challenges for the port include regional competition from expanding activity around Mobile, and continued extreme weather condi...