Container volumes at the Port of Los Angeles increased by 6 per cent in 2014 over the previous year, with total volumes reaching 8,340,065 TEUs. It was the third busiest year in the Port’s history, just short of the 8.4m TEUs reached in 2007 and 8.5m TEUs in 2006.
“The 2014 numbers are an encouraging indication that the national economy continues to improve,” said the port’s executive director Gene Seroka. “Beyond that, the second half of the year ushered in a mix of unprecedented challenges due to transformational changes in the shipping line business.”
Seroka claimed the port is working hard to help its customers and supply chain partners overcome those challenges and urged them to work together with the port to find solutions.
“Additionally, we join cargo owners and industry stakeholders nationwide in encouraging the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and Pacific Maritime Association to work with urgency and good faith toward a new labour contract,” he said.
In December 2014, overall volumes increased by 1 per cent compared to December 2013. Total cargo for December 2014 was 658,567 TEUs compared to 653,358 TEUs in December 2013. Container imports in December were up 4.4 per cent, from 322,500 TEUs in December 2013 to 336,674 TEUs in December 2014. However, exports fell by 12 per cent, from 172,261 TEUs in December 2013 to 152,112 TEUs in December 2014. This reflected weaker overseas demand due to the strengthening US dollar.
Combined, total loaded imports and exports fell 1.2 per cent, from 494,761 TEUs in December 2013to 488,786 TEUs in December 2014. Factoring in empties, which increased 7 per cent year-on-year, overall December 2014 volumes (658,567 TEUs) edged up 1 per cent compared to December 2013 (653,358 TEUs).
