POLA and POLB report record-breaking April volumes

April was a record-breaking month for volumes at the Port of Los Angeles (POLA) and Port of Long Beach (POLB).

POLA handled 736,466 TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units), marking the busiest April in the port’s 112-year history, topping April 2017, the previous April high, of 714,755 TEU, by 3% and April 2018 by 4.4%.

POLA imports, at 360,745 TEU, were flat, and exports, at 155,533 TEU, dipped 5.6%. Empties, at 220,189 TEU, rose 22.5%.

“With three-plus years of record throughput, we are focused on partnering with our stakeholders to refine operations for even greater efficiencies,” said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka. “Despite heightened uncertainty in global trade, we continue to invest and prepare our infrastructure and services to provide the best value for our customers.”

On a year-to-date basis through April, total POLA volume is up 4.5%, at 2,945,199 TEU, with imports at 1,499,678 TEU, exports at 602,004 TEU, and empties at 843,516 TEU.

Total POLB April volume, at 628,121 TEU, increased 1.6% annually, topping the previous best April volume performance from 2006, at 619,512 TEU.

Imports, at 317,883 TEU, were up 1.8%, while exports, at 123,084, declined by 12.7%. Empties, at 186,435 TEU, were up 13.5%. POLA officials said that the surge in empties was driven by the lingering impacts of the rush of imported cargo during the fourth quarter of 2018, when retailers stocked goods in advance of potential tariffs of U.S.-bound goods coming from China.

“Ocean carriers have been busy repositioning containers back to Asia after sending so many to North America late last year,” said Port of Long Beach Executive Director Mario Cordero. “With peak season approaching, we’re expecting imports to continue to grow, but it’s clear exports are suffering under the weight of tariffs.”

On a year-to-date basis through April, total POLB volume, at 2,434,845, is down 3.1%. Imports and exports, at 1,191,625 TEU and 477,815 TEU, are down 4.4% and 10.8%, respectively. Empties, at 765,405, are up 4.8%.