The Port of Los Angeles recorded its three strongest consecutive months on record, handling more than 2.9 million TEUs between June and August. Import activity has remained strong throughout the summer. Port of Los Angeles Executive Director, Gene Seroka observed “resilient consumer demand, early holiday shipments, and a broad mix of cargo” which are driving the volumes.
Conversely, exports fell by nearly 9% year-over-year in August, marking the ninth consecutive month of decline in the past twelve months. Seroka said it was “a reminder of how tough the environment remains for U.S. exporters”.
Trans-Pacific freight rates to the West Coast may have become less favorable compared to East Coast routings, but Los Angeles continues to be attractive to importers especially with “the speed of moving cargo through Los Angeles and onto rail”, Seroka said.
Seroka pointed to ongoing constraints at the Panama Canal, and challenges affecting key trade lanes which have continued to impact the routing decisions of U.S. importers. While the Panama Canal Authority postponed its latest planned Neopanamax draft restriction, and easing the pressure on capacity shortages, Seroka noted that some cargoes which would have typically moved through the Panama Canal, has now been redirected to traditional West Coast services. Further, he added that based on discussions with carriers, terminal operators, and importers, many are moving additional cargo as a hedge against current and potential future restrictions.
Speaking during the media session about the shift in cargo from Gulf and, potentially, Atlantic Coast ports to Los Angeles and other U.S. West Coast gateways, Seroka said: “Several weeks back I said that I would see probably a 5% uptick in cargo compared to normal run rates… that’s probably what’s happening right now,” adding that it may climb even higher, going into the final quarter of 2026.
Seroka said the data indicated September is shaping up to be another strong month, matching the views of the retail industry, which also remains optimistic about the holiday season.