SAN PEDRO, Calif. – May 6, 2020 –
The Port of Los Angeles moved 688,999 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) in April. While that figure was 53% more than March volumes, it represents a decrease of 6.45% compared to last April, which is the standard comparison. Port Executive Director Gene Seroka announced the April volumes in a
wide-ranging news briefing today
.
“Given the unique circumstances of a trade war and pandemic, April volumes are better than expected,” said Seroka. “As we move deeper into the remainder of the second quarter, we’re forecasting significantly lower volumes, particularly on the import side. There are at least 28 voided vessel sailings. Retailer orders are soft as consumer purchasing and confidence has dropped precipitously.”
April loaded imports increased 2.6% to 370,111 TEUs compared to the previous year. Loaded exports decreased 16.2% to 130,321 TEUs. Empty containers declined 14.4% to 188,567 TEUs. In total, April volumes totaled 688,999 TEUs.
The
Port of Los Angeles
remains open with all terminals operational during the COVID-19 pandemic and serves as the temporary homeport of the Naval hospital ship USNS Mercy. North America’s leading seaport by container volume and cargo value, the Port of Los Angeles facilitated $276 billion in trade during 2019. San Pedro Bay port complex operations and commerce facilitate one in nine jobs in the five-county Southern California region.
