By Karen Robes Meeks
April cargo numbers at the Port of Los Angeles improved 53 percent from March, but were down nearly 7 percent from the same time last year, according to new numbers released Wednesday.
Los Angeles saw 688,999 TEUs flow through its seaport, which is currently operating at about 80 percent of normal capacity. That’s down about 6.45 percent from April 2019.
Imports for April rose 2.6 percent to 370,111 TEUs, while exports fell 16.2 percent to 130,321 TEUs and empty containers were down 14.4 percent to 188,567 TEUs when compared to April 2019.
“Given the unique circumstances of a trade war and pandemic, April volumes are better than expected,” said Port Executive Director Gene Seroka. “As we move deeper into the remainder of the second quarter, we’re forecasting significantly lower volumes, particularly on the import side. There are at least 28 voided vessel sailings. Retailer orders are soft as consumer purchasing and confidence has dropped precipitously.”
