May 22, 2026
Port of Los Angeles posts second-best April on record amid strong import demand
The Port of Los Angeles processed 890,861 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) in April, 5.7% above last year. It marks the second-best April on record with strong import demand despite ongoing uncertainty around tariffs and trade policy.
Through the first four months of 2026, the Port has handled 3,279,704 TEUs, 2% ahead of its five-year average for the period and 2% below last year's pace, which was driven by significant front-loading of cargo.
"April was our strongest month this year and the highest cargo volume we've seen since last August, a clear sign that the American consumer remains resilient," Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka told reporters at a media briefing. "Retailers and manufacturers are continuing to move goods despite uncertainty, and based on what we're seeing in Asia, the next wave of imports - from back-to-school to early holiday merchandise - is already beginning to build."
April 2026 loaded imports totaled 459,825 TEUs, an increase of 5% compared to last year and 21% higher than March. Loaded exports came in at 127,726 TEUs, 0.5% lower than last year. Empties landed at 303,310 TEUs, 10% above last year.
Source: Port of Los Angeles