Los Angeles Port officials announced on Wednesday that, in June, July, and August, the port handled a total of 2.9 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU), setting a record for the busiest consecutive three months in the port’s history.
In August, the Port of Los Angeles handled a total of 955,907 TEU, with total cargo volume remaining steady compared to the same period last year and exceeding the five-year average by 6%. Of this, import cargo reached 500,302 TEU, a 7% increase from the five-year average; export cargo totaled 115,561 TEU, a 9% decrease year-on-year; additionally, 340,044 empty containers were processed, marking a 4% growth compared to the previous period.
For the first eight months of 2026, the Port of Los Angeles handled slightly over 7 million TEU, a 1.5% increase from the same period last year and a 5% increase from the five-year average.
Gene Seroka, Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles, mentioned that the cargo throughput during the summer of this year has been exceptionally strong. This performance was driven by robust consumer demand, early arrival of holiday goods, and a wide variety of cargo types.
Seroka highlighted that the Port of Los Angeles is set to maintain a positive momentum in the remaining months of this year. He stated, “September also appears to be another strong month. With the continuous evolution of the global trade landscape, the Port of Los Angeles is well prepared to tackle any potential challenges.”
During the monthly briefing, Seroka noted that despite the current favorable trans-Pacific freight rates for the East Coast routes, the efficient flow of cargo via the Port of Los Angeles into the rail transportation network offers attractive value for importers serving throughout the United States.
Brian Dodge, President and CEO of the Retail Industry Leaders Association, attended the briefing alongside Seroka.
Dodge expressed that despite rising fuel costs, tariffs, and other economic pressures, retailers remain optimistic about the holiday shopping season.
Dodge said, “In the past few years, amidst various disruptions and impacts, American consumers have demonstrated incredible resilience. As we enter the holiday shopping season this year, it seems to be no different.”
He pointed out that due to uncertainties around fuel prices and other supply chain disruptions earlier this year, retailers opted to advance the shipment of goods, resulting in a significant portion of holiday products already arriving in the U.S.; concurrently, as retailers replenish inventory to meet consumer demands, more goods are expected to arrive in the coming days.