Early peak season brings record volumes to Port of LA

The US West Coast gateway Port of LA handled 939,600 teu in July up some 37% on the same month in 2023, and an all-time record for the month.

“We’re now seeing an influx of year-end holiday goods coming across our docks a bit earlier than usual. Importers have told me with issues in the Red Sea and ongoing East Coast labour talks they are being extra cautious this year,” Gene Seroka, Executive Director of the Port of LA, said in a video briefing.

Talks between US East Coast port employers, represented by the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX), and the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) have reached an impasse with the existing labour contract expiring on 30 September.

The ILA has filed a 60-day strike notice and says it is preparing for strike from Maine to Texas from 1 October if a new contract is not agreed. Additonally dock workers on the Canadian West Coast have been voting on possible strike action.

The strike threat and the Red Sea crisis have brought an earlier than expected surge in consumer good imports into the Port of LA.

“These goods – think toys, electronics and clothing – are arriving at the same time as more typical back-to-school, fall fashion and Halloween merchandise. An early peak season has helped to boost volumes here in Los Angeles,” Seroka said.

Related:Port of LA container volumes up 14% in H1

Reflecting the early peak season loaded imports at the Port of LA were up 38% in July at 501,281 teu in July. Loaded exports were up 4% at 114,889 teu widening the huge gulf between imports and exports. The port handled 323,431 teu of empty containers in July a jump of 54% compared to the same month in 2023.

In the first seven months of 2024 the port of LA has handled 5.67 million teu up 18% year-on-year.

Looking ahead Seroka said, “Given everything we know today I believe the American economy and consumer confidence will remain strong this should sustain a healthy demand for goods coming through our port throughout the balance of this year.”

You can watch the full vidoe briefing with Port of LA Executive Director Gene Seroka