The Port of Los Angeles processed 623,234 TEUs in March, while for the first three months of 2023, the Californian port handled 1,837,094 TEUs, down 32% compared to the 2022 same period.
In particular, the major US container port reported that its loaded imports reached 319,962 TEUs in March, down 35% compared to the previous year’s same month. Additionally, loaded exports recorded 98,276 TEUs, a decline of 12% from March 2022. A decline was also reported in the port’s empty containers, which reached 204,996 TEUs, which represents a significant year-on-year decrease of 42%.
Gene Seroka, executive director of Port of Los Angeles, announced the first quarter data at a media briefing, where he was joined by Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America.
“Economic conditions slowed global trade considerably in the first quarter; however, we are beginning to see some signs of improvement, including nine consecutive months of inflation declines,” said Seroka, adding that “while March cargo volume was lower than last year at this time, early data and monthly growth indicates a moderate increase in the third quarter.”
