News
Containerized import demand to U.S. has rebounded sharply in August as the shipping industry has entered the peak season, which typically runs from August to October as retailers prepare for the upcoming holiday shopping season. As a result, container volumes at the ports in South California surged after steep slump caused by the outbreak of the novel coronavirus.
The Port of Los Angeles processed 961,833 TEUs in August, the first monthly cargo increase in a year. The 12% gain in cargo was driven by imports, which eclipsed 500,000 TEUs for the first time.
August loaded imports increased 18% to 516,286 TEUs compared to the previous year. Loaded exports decreased 10.2% to 131,429 TEUs. Empty containers increased 13.3% to 314,118 TEUs.
Similarly, the Port of Long Beach had the best August in its 109-year history, marking a strong start to the peak shipping season, although COVID-19 continues to create long-term economic uncertainty.
Dockworkers and terminal operators moved 725,610 TEUs of container cargo last month, a 9.3% increase compared to August 2019. Imports jumped 13% to 364,792 TEUs and exports were up 1% to 126,177 TEUs. Empty containers shipped overseas climbed 8.5% to 234,642 TEUs.
The port has moved 4,911,725 TEUs during the first eight months of 2020, 1.2% down from the same period in 2019.
