Port officials cite stable supply chain conditions
Ocean shippers are accelerating cargo movement through the supply chain as conditions allow. This activity is occurring while what Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka described during a June 16 media briefing as a current window of stability remains open.
May volume statistics released
In May, the port processed 840,165 TEUs, an increase of 17 percent year over year. According to a press release dated June 16, loaded imports totaled 449,370 TEUs in that month, representing a 26 percent increase compared to the previous year.
- Loaded exports for May were recorded at 107,657 TEUs. This figure represents a decrease of 10 percent from the prior year.
The port also processed empty container units during that period. In May, this number reached 283,138 TEUs, an increase of 18 percent year over year.
Executive Director attributes performance to consumer resilience
In the June 16 press release, Gene Seroka stated that the strong May performance reflects the resilience of the American consumer. He also noted in the release that businesses have demonstrated the ability to adapt within a continuously changing environment.
Factors influencing strategic decisions
According to Seroka during the briefing and as reported in the press release, companies are factoring several variables into their strategic sourcing and shipping decisions. These factors include energy costs, tariffs, inventory needs, and geopolitical risks.
The June 16 press release further stated that amid trade policy uncertainty, companies are operating with shorter planning horizons. Seroka noted that businesses are taking advantage of opportunities when they emerge under these conditions.
Forecast for summer volumes
The Port of Los Angeles is forecasting strong import activity for the upcoming months. Based on a port optimizer signal tracking imports bound for Los Angeles, Seroka stated during the June 16 media briefing that the port projects it will surpass 900,000 container units in June.
Looking ahead to July, the Port of Los Angeles is also projected to handle more than 900,000 container units. Gene Seroka described this projection as a strong number historically for the facility during that month.
Historical comparison and external forecasts
Last year's data showed cargo frontloading peaked in July. During that period, importers moved cargo ahead of possible tariff hikes. The port handled more than 1 million TEUs last year during that specific month according to the reported figures.
The Global Port Tracker, published by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates, also forecasts a bump in import volumes for June and July. This forecast aligns with Seroka's expectations regarding summer activity levels.