SIMIC

LA port has now set monthly records in five of seven months in 2022, reports gCaptain of Ventura, California.

Compared to July 2021, July 2022 volumes were up about 5 per cent.

Speaking at a news briefing, Port of Los Angeles executive director Gene Seroka, said: "Remarkably, we continue to move record amounts of cargo while working down the backlog of ships almost 90 per cent, a huge accomplishment by all of our partners."

He added: "Even with the current rail challenges, our marine terminals are more fluid than last year. That's due in part to our Port Optimizer data portal that allows our stakeholders to see around corners and tackle problems before they arise."

July's loaded imports reached an estimated 485,472 TEU, an increase of 3.4 per cent compared to July 2021 and 8 per cent higher than the previous five-year average for July.

Loaded exports reached an estimated 103,497 TEU, a 13 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. Empty containers, which need to be repositioned to Asia, reached an estimated 346,376 TEU, up 5 per cent compared to last year.

Seven months into 2022, the Port of Los Angeles has moved an estimated 6,349,248 TEU, on pace with the record set last year.

While the Port of Los Angeles is still working to finalise July's volumes, the final numbers are expected to change only slightly compared to what was reported today.

As for the San Pedro Bay backup, the number currently stood at just 13 containerships, down from its peak of 109 set in early January.

July's record comes as shippers have shifted some inbound cargo to East and Gulf Coast ports to avoid congestion and potential issues arising from West Coast port labour negotiations. But Mr Seroka says the situation in Southern California is improving, while deteriorating in other parts of the country.