"The bright spot is an upward trajectory," said Port of Los Angeles executive director Gene Seroka, adding that the port expects improving conditions going forward.

He noted that March volumes were up 28 per cent versus February and that April added another 10 per cent increase in volume. April was less than two per cent below the port's forecast for the month with Mr Seroka projecting May would reach or exceed the forecasted level of 700,000 TEU versus the 688,000 TEU total in April.

The port's volume so far in 2023 is down 25 per cent from the record levels of 2022. In addition, at the end of four months, they are 18 per cent below the port's five-year running average.

Mr Seroka points to a cooling global economy, lingering concerns in the US over inflation and rising interest rates, warehouses laden with aging inventory, and prolonged West Coast labour negotiations, all contributing to the volume declines. Shippers he repeated since last summer have also been rerouting volumes away from the Pacific Coast due to the uncertainties over the labor negotiations.

"I am optimistic that we will hear good news soon," Mr Seroka said discussing the ongoing contract talks which are entering their 13th month.

"We are on the doorstep of a labour agreement," he predicted noting that both sides are spending a lot of time at the negotiating table. The Wall Street Journal recently citing people familiar with the negotiations reported that an agreement was close with many key issues resolved and now focusing on wages.

Mr Seroka said however it could take months for volumes to shift back to the West Coast noting that transportation under the contracts is set at least 30 to 45 days in advance.