Los Angeles starts 2024 on a high note
The port of Los Angeles handled almost 856,000 teu in January this year. While loaded imports went up to almost 442,000 teu (19% more compared to January 2023), loaded exports did even better. The 126,554 teu in the first month of 2024 represented an increase of 23% compared to the same period last year. The port handled 287,000 empty containers, up 14% over 2023. In total, the results surpassed January 2023 by 18%.
Port of Los Angeles executive director Gene Seroka pointed out two major reasons: “First, cargo owners have been replenishing inventories and moving goods at a fast clip ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday in Asia. Second, consumer spending and mostly strong economic data continue to accelerate the American economy.” He sees the US American economy in a solid shape. In historical terms, January 2024 was the second-best start to a year in the port of Los Angeles so far. (cd)