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Early peak season brings record volumes to Port of LA

The Port of Los Angeles has reported its busiest month in two years and highest July container handling figure in its history.

Marcus Hand, Editor

August 14, 2024

2 Min Read
Port of LA Pier 400 Aerial
Photo: Port of Los Angeles

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

 

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Port of Los Angeles

About the Author

Marcus Hand

Editor

Marcus Hand is the editor of Seatrade Maritime News and a dedicated maritime journalist with over two decades of experience covering the shipping industry in Asia.

Marcus is also an experienced industry commentator and has chaired many conferences and round tables. Before joining Seatrade at the beginning of 2010, Marcus worked for the shipping industry journal Lloyd's List for a decade and before that the Singapore Business Times covering shipping and aviation.

In November 2022, Marcus was announced as a member of the Board of Advisors to the Singapore Journal of Maritime Talent and Technology (SJMTT) to help bring together thought leadership around the key areas of talent and technology.

Marcus is the founder of the Seatrade Maritime Podcast that delivers commentary, opinions and conversations on shipping's most important topics.

Conferences & Webinars

Marcus Hand regularly moderates at international maritime events. Below you’ll find a list of selected past conferences and webinars.

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