The total number of cargo containers passing through the Port of Long Beach in July was down 23 percent compared with a year ago, according to figures released Tuesday.

Last month, 433,013 cargo container units, or TEUs moved through Long Beach terminals, compared with 563,703 TEUs in July 2008.

But July was the busiest month of 2009 at the port, a sign that the recession might be easing.

During the first seven months of 2009, imports were down by about 26 percent and exports were down by about 29 percent compared with the same period in 2008.

The Port of Los Angeles has not yet released its July cargo figures.