Port of Los Angeles Eyeing $1 Trillion In Imports

The busiest ocean container gateway in the U.S. is on track to handle $1 trillion worth of imports in a single quarter, driven by a booming economy and strong consumer spending.

In September, the Port of Los Angeles reported record volumes of 954,706 TEUs, marking a 27% year-over-year increase. This surge contributed to an all-time high of 2,854,904 TEUs for the third quarter. Imports accounted for 497,803 TEUs in September, up 26% as shippers prepared early for holiday merchandise.

From July to September, container volumes were 27% higher year-over-year, averaging over 939,000 TEUs each month. In September, the port managed an average of 13 container vessels per day, a 35% increase from the previous year.

Year-to-date through September, the volume reached 7,586,395 TEUs, an 18% increase, surpassing the previous five-year average by 5%. Loaded exports for the quarter totaled 351,333 TEUs, reflecting a 5% decline from 2023, while empty containers rose to 995,120 units, up 45% and the highest since the pandemic.

The import value for the quarter reached $990 billion, an increase from $955 billion the previous year.