The Port of Los Angeles, America's busiest container port, reported processing 781,434 TEU in February, a 60 per cent year-on-year increase.

"With the ongoing consumer spending and positive economic indicators, the Port of Los Angeles is well-positioned as we transition into the second quarter," said Gene Seroka, executive director of the Port of Los Angeles.

Loaded imports at the Port of Los Angeles reached 408,764 TEU in February, up 64 per cent from the previous year, making it the third busiest February for imports behind 2022 and 2021. 

Loaded exports also saw an increase of 61 per cent compared to last year, with the port handling 132,755 TEU. The port also processed 239,916 empties, a 54 per cent increase over 2023. In the first two months of 2024, the port has managed a total of 1,637,086 TEU, marking a 35 per cent increase over the same period in 2023.

At Long Beach, the port reported processing 674,723 TEU last month, a 24.1 per cent year-on-year increase. 

Said Long Beach port CEO Mario Cordero: "We're also investing in infrastructure projects to ensure our competitiveness and sustainability for the future."

February imports at the Port of Long Beach were up 29.4 per cent to 329,850 TEU, while exports declined 21.1 per cent to 87,474 TEU. Empty containers moving through the Port increased 44.8 per cent to 257,400 TEU.

Unlike Los Angeles, February 2024 marked only the fifth busiest February for loaded imports at Long Beach behind 2022, 2021, 2019 and 2018. Over the first two months of 2024, the Port of Long Beach has handled 1,348,738 TEU, a 20.7 per cent increase from the same period in 2023.

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