Port of Los Angeles sets record, handling 980,000 TEU in a month

In October, the Port of Los Angeles experienced an enormous cargo surge, handling 980,000 TEUs in four weeks. It was the busiest month in the history of the harbour, up 27% year-on-year.

Of the total, loaded imports accounted for about 500,000 TEU, reflecting high consumer demand for foreign-made products during the pandemic shutdown.

Another 330,000 TEUs were added by a huge rise in empties - an indication of the ongoing equipment repositioning problems on the Trans-Pacific trade routes. At 144,000 TEU, loaded exports increased slightly year-on-year but did not trend upwards at the same rate as imports.

“Overall volume has been strong yet the trade imbalance remains a concern. For every three and a half containers that are imported into Los Angeles from abroad, only one container leaves filled with U.S. exports. One-way trade will not put Americans back to work and it adds logistical challenges to the supply chain," stated Port of Los Angeles executive director Gene Seroka.

A single vessel accounted for around three percent of the total for the month. During her October port call, the MSC Isabella discharged and filled nearly 33,000 TEUs - just short of the world record of 34,263 TEUs that she moved to the wharf in June.

Maritime Business World