The Port of Los Angeles has reported a notable upswing in its container handling operations, with a total throughput of 828,016 TEU in August.
The figure stands for a 3 per cent increase when compared to the same period in the previous year, while marking a milestone for the port, as it represented the first monthly year-over-year growth in the past 13 months.
“August was a very solid month with increases both on the import and export sides of our business,” noted Gene Seroka, Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles, during a media briefing.
“Overall, global trade has eased this year and we expect that trend to continue in the coming months. Operationally, Los Angeles stands ready with capacity we’re prepared to scale on demand.”
Seroka also highlighted the recent ratification of a six-year contract between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA), emphasizing that it brings stability and renewed confidence to customers making decisions regarding cargo shipment destinations.
“With this contract in effect through 2028, you can continue to count on our longshore workers and terminal operators to keep cargo moving through the nation’s busiest port,” he assured.
“When we are operating on all cylinders like we are right now, there’s no better choice for cargo than the Port of Los Angeles.”
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Breaking down the August 2023 figures, loaded imports amounted to 433,224 TEU, reflecting a substantial 7 per cent increase compared to the previous year.
Loaded exports also saw a substantial surge, reaching 124,988 TEU, marking a 22 per cent increase compared to 2022.
The number of empty containers experienced a 10 per cent year-over-year decline, totalling 269,804 TEU.
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Looking at the broader picture, the Port of Los Angeles has processed a total of 5.6 million TEU over the first eight months of 2023.
While this represents a considerable volume, it is noteworthy that it is 21 per cent less than the volume handled during the same period in the previous year.
