Port of LA Posts Second-Best April on Record Amid Strong Import Demand

The Port of Los Angeles reported a strong April performance, moving 890,861 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs), a 5.7% increase compared to April of last year and the second-highest April volume in the port’s history.

Steady consumer spending and continued retail demand helped sustain import activity across the San Pedro Bay gateway, even as businesses continue navigating uncertainty surrounding tariffs and global trade policy.

So far in 2026, the Port has processed more than 3.27 million TEUs through April, placing cargo volumes slightly ahead of the port’s five-year average, though modestly below the unusually elevated pace seen last year when many importers accelerated shipments ahead of anticipated tariff changes.

Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka said the latest numbers demonstrate continued resilience throughout the supply chain and among U.S. consumers.

“April delivered our strongest cargo month of the year and the busiest activity level since late summer,” Seroka said during a recent media briefing. “Importers are continuing to replenish inventories, and manufacturers remain active despite ongoing market uncertainty. Based on activity we’re seeing overseas, another wave of seasonal merchandise is already beginning to move toward the U.S.”

Port officials also highlighted the efficiency of current terminal operations, noting that cargo flow remains stable with no significant congestion or vessel delays impacting the gateway.

Seroka credited the coordinated efforts of dockworkers, terminal operators, trucking providers, and rail partners for maintaining smooth cargo movement throughout the complex.

Inbound cargo remained the primary growth driver in April. Loaded imports reached 459,825 TEUs, climbing 5% year-over-year and posting a sharp increase from March levels. Export volumes edged slightly lower to 127,726 TEUs, while empty container moves jumped 10% as carriers reposition equipment ahead of the expected trans-Pacific peak shipping season.

At the same time, rising transportation costs remain a concern for the industry. Seroka noted that higher diesel prices could eventually place additional financial pressure on trucking companies and supply chains, potentially leading to increased costs for cargo movement in the months ahead.

Former U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Katherine Tai also participated in the briefing, sharing perspectives on trade negotiations, tariff policy, and the evolving outlook for global supply chains.

Source: www.freightwaves.com