Port of LA Hits Three-Month Record as Cargo Peak Stretches On

The Port of Los Angeles set a new three-month volume record in June, July, and August, handling over 2.9 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in total, surpassing the previous record from the COVID-19 shipping boom. This surge was primarily due to retailers rushing holiday goods, such as Halloween costumes, Thanksgiving decor, and Christmas gifts, into the U.S. earlier than usual. Importers aimed to front-run new tariffs, including those replacing previously struck-down Section 122 tariffs that increased to 12.5% on imports from 60 countries, and to mitigate higher fuel costs linked to the Iran war. Waterfront workers at the Port of Los Angeles processed 955,907 TEUs in August alone, marking a strong summer performance and signaling robust consumer demand.

Gene Seroka, Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles, noted that June likely represented the peak, but cargo flow is expected to continue strongly in the coming months. Brian Dodge, CEO of the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA), stated that a "good chunk" of holiday imports has already arrived and expressed optimism for the holiday shopping season, often referred to as retail's "Super Bowl." Jonathan Gold, Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy at the National Retail Federation (NRF), indicated that consumers are continuing to buy despite tariffs, inflation, and high fuel prices, prompting retailers to maintain merchandise imports to meet demand.

While some imports faced delays due to severe weather in China and rerouting away from the Panama Canal because of potential drought conditions, the overall sentiment remains positive. Loaded imports in August reached 500,302 TEUs, nearly flat with last year but 7% above the five-year August average. Loaded exports, however, were down 9% compared to last August, totaling 115,561 TEUs. Empty containers increased by 4% year-over-year to 340,044 TEUs. For the first eight months of 2026, the Port handled just over 7 million TEUs, which is 1.5% ahead of the same period last year and 5% above its five-year average. The National Retail Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates anticipate September to be the busiest month of the year for import volume nationwide, with a forecast of 2.31 million TEU, reflecting an extended peak season, although volumes are expected to moderate gradually through the end of the year.