In March the Port of Los Angeles reported that it had processed 487,846 TEU in February, a 43% decrease from the previous February’s all-time record.

Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka commented: ‘February declines were exacerbated by an overall slowdown in global trade, extended Lunar New Year holiday closures in Asia, overstocked warehouses and a shift away from West Coast ports. While we expect more cargo moving crossing our docks in March, volume will likely remain lighter than average in the first half of 2023.

‘We are using this volume lull to focus on new data and infrastructure initiatives to improve efficiency in preparation for increased throughput.’

February 2023 loaded imports reached 249,407 TEU, down 41% compared to the previous year. Loaded exports came in at 82,404 TEU, a decline of 14% compared to last year. Empty containers landed at 156,035 TEU, a 54% year-over-year decline.

Two months into 2023, total container volume is at 1,213,860 TEU compared to 1,723,360 TEU in 2022, a 30% decline.

Current and historical cargo data, including fiscal year-end totals, are available here: https://www.portoflosangeles.org/business/statistics/container-statistics

A Cargo News Briefing by video is to be found here:

https://www.portoflosangeles.org/references/2023-news-releases/news_031723_feb_cargo