The Port of Los Angeles processed 812,000 twenty foot equivalent Units (TEUs) in January, lower by 12% compared to year-ago levels.
Falling volumes come as little surprise, as demand on the trans-Pacific ocean trade has weakened since a brief run-up ahead of the Chinese New Year holiday, when factories shut down for several weeks.
Results at the busiest U.S. container gateway were hard-pressed to match the surge of the 2025 period, when shippers scrambled to bring in goods ahead of President Donald Trump’s tariff deadlines.
Also, “inventories remain slightly higher, reflecting the earlier cargo surge and a more cautious restocking pace,” said port Executive Director Gene Seroka in a media briefing today. “U.S. trade policy continues to keep everyone on edge. However, the American consumer has shown remarkable resilience. And purchase orders that go out three months in advance to Asia look stable, a good sign.”
January 2026 loaded imports totaled 421,594 TEUs, 13% lower y/y. Loaded exports fell to 104,297 TEUs, down 8%.
The hub processed 286,110 empty container units, an indicator of future import traffic, 12% less than a year ago.
Find more articles by Stuart Chirls here.
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