Container volumes at the Port of Los Angeles increased six
percent in 2014 over the previous year, with total volumes reaching 8.34
million 20-foot-equivalent units, according to newly released port data.
2014 was the third busiest year in the port’s history, just
behind the 8.4 million TEUs moved in 2007 and 8.5 million in 2006.
“The 2014 numbers are an encouraging indication that the
national economy continues to improve,” port Executive Director Gene Seroka
said, while also touching on congestion issues that plagued the port during
2014. “Beyond that, the second half of the year ushered in a mix of
unprecedented challenges due to transformational changes in the shipping line
business.”
“We are working hard to help our customers and supply chain
partners overcome those challenges and urge them to work together with us to
find solutions,” he said.
In December 2014, overall volumes increased one percent
compared to December 2013. Total cargo for December 2014 was 658,567 TEUs,
compared to 653,358 TEUs in December 2013.
Container imports last month rose 4.4 percent, from 322,500
TEUs in December 2013 to 336,674 TEUs in December 2014.
Exports however, declined 12 percent, falling from 172,261
TEUs in December 2013 to 152,112 TEUs in December 2014. US exports have been
declining in recent months due to weaker demand abroad and a stronger US
dollar, which makes US goods more expensive.
Combined, total loaded imports and exports fell 1.2 percent,
from 494,761 TEUs in December 2013 to 488,786 TEUs in December 2014. Factoring
in empties, which increased seven percent year over year, the overall December
2014 volume of 658,567 TEUs represented a one percent increase compared to
December 2013’s 653,358 TEUs.
Current and past data container counts for the Port of Los
Angeles may be found at:
