POLA and POLB July volumes see annual declines

July volumes, for the Port of Los Angeles (POLA) and the Port of Long Beach (POLB) saw declines, according recently issued by each port.

Total POLA volume, at 684,291 TEU (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units), saw a 26.85% annual decline compared to the record-setting July 2022, at 935,423 TEU. July’s tally was roughly 18% below June’s 833,045 TEU, marking the highest-volume month going back to July 2022, which was an all-time record month for POLA.

POLA imports fell 25% annually, to 364,208 TEU, and exports, at 110,372 TEU, increased 6%. Empty containers fell 39% annually, to 209,710 TEU, as the need for empty containers in Asia continues to lessen.

On a year-to-date basis through July, total POLA volume is down 24% annually, coming in at 4,821,670 TEU.

“Global trade has eased as warehouse inventories of retailers and manufacturers remain elevated,” said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka in a statement. “American consumers are continuing to spend and are likely to find more discounted items this year as we move into fall fashion and year-end holiday season.”

POLB data: The Port of Long Beach reported that total volume came in at 578,249 TEU, down 26.4% annually, compared to July 2022, which POLB said was its highest-volume July in its history.

Imports fell 27.9%, to 271,086 TEU, and exports were down 17.6%, to 90,134 TEU, with empty containers falling 27.7%, to 217,030 TEU.

Through the first seven months of 2023, POLB volume is down 25.6%, to 4,310,925 TEU compared to the same period a year ago.

POLB officials cited adjusted trade routes, full warehouses and a shift in consumer spending to travel, entertainment and other experiences as drivers for July’s volume declines.

“I am confident we will see our numbers improve as we work with industry partners to rebuild our market share,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero in a statement. “Looking ahead in the near-term, however, we anticipate a modest ‘peak season’ for shipping as consumers spend a little less this year on back-to-school supplies and gifts through the holiday season.”