Tuesday, February 23, 2021

January Cargo Volumes Up at Port of Los Angeles

The Port of Los Angeles handled 3.6 percent more cargo last month than in January 2020, reflecting an upward trend of increases over the past six months and strong U.S. consumer spending, according to recent numbers released by the port.

The nation’s busiest seaport moved 835,516 TEUs in overall cargo last month, including 437,609 TEUs in loaded imports. The port saw 87 cargo ships - including eight extra loaders - arrive in January. Meanwhile, loaded exports fell 19.5 percent to 119,327 TEUs. Empty containers rose 14 percent to 278,580 TEUs, reflecting higher demand in Asia.

“All indications point toward a strong flow of imports over the next few months as consumers continue an unprecedented buying surge which began last summer,” said Port of Los Angeles Director Gene Seroka. “However, U.S. exports continue to lag, down 25 of the last 27 months. What we’re experiencing is one-way trade, which has created challenges for the entire supply chain.

“We are grateful to our dock workers, truckers and terminal operators who have worked every day since the pandemic began to process these record volumes. We will continue to advocate at all levels of government for sufficient supplies to ensure every waterfront worker has a chance to be vaccinated.”