The US Port of Los Angeles moved more cargo in 2018 than any time in its 111-year history, racking up 9,458,749 TEUs, 1.2 percent more than 2017’s record-breaking year.
As informed, it is the third consecutive year of record volumes for the nation’s #1 gateway for containerized trade and the most cargo moved annually by a Western Hemisphere port.
“2018 was marked by a robust economy coupled with tariff-induced surges of cargo headed to US retail and manufacturing sectors,” Gene Seroka, Port of Los Angeles Executive Director, said.
“These extraordinary volumes highlight the need for continued stakeholder collaboration on methods to maximize supply chain efficiency. Through a number of initiatives, we are focused on both physical and digital infrastructure enhancements that continue to ensure the reliable, safe and efficient conveyance of cargo through our gateway,” he added.
In December, the port processed 903,258 TEUs, the busiest December in its history and a 15.9 percent jump compared to the previous year. It was the sixth consecutive month of volumes exceeding 800,000 TEUs.
December imports increased 21.6 percent to 468,906 TEUs. Exports decreased 3.2 percent to 147,965 TEUs. Along with an 18.9 percent rise in empty containers, overall December TEUs totaled 903,258, an increase of 15.9 percent compared to the previous year.
North America’s leading seaport by container volume and cargo value, the Port of Los Angeles facilitated USD 284 billion in trade during 2017.