• Port of Los Angeles handled a record 1.04 million TEUs in September, with imports hitting an all-time high.
  • Executive Director Gene Seroka credits strong consumer demand and early holiday shipments for the surge.
  • The port's robust performance contrasts with a national forecast projecting a slowdown in import volumes.

Record-Breaking Month

The Port of Los Angeles, the busiest container port in the United States, announced a record-breaking September, handling 1.04 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), according to port data. Loaded imports reached an all-time high of 546,696 TEUs, surpassing the previous record set in August. The surge caps a busy summer that saw the port complete its busiest three-month stretch ever, exceeding 2.9 million TEUs from June through August.

“The near-term outlook remains strong,” said Port Executive Director Gene Seroka in a statement, attributing the volume to resilient consumer demand, early holiday shipments, and a broad cargo mix. Retailers have been accelerating imports ahead of potential tariff changes and rising shipping costs, contributing to the surge.

Factors Driving the Surge

Industry experts point to a confluence of factors. Brian Dodge, CEO of the Retail Industry Leaders Association, noted that retailers remain optimistic about holiday sales despite pressures from tariffs, higher fuel costs, and other economic headwinds. The early rush to stock shelves has been exacerbated by weather-related delays in China and rerouting linked to Panama Canal drought conditions, which extended the shipping season.

However, the strong port volumes may not signal an equally robust acceleration in final retail sales. The October 8 Global Port Tracker report indicates that the extended import peak is likely ending, forecasting declining volumes through November. National imports are projected to ease from an estimated 2.28 million TEUs in September to 2.25 million in October and 2 million in November, according to the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

Financial and Operational Context

The Port of Los Angeles, a department of the City of Los Angeles, approved a $3.4 billion budget for fiscal year 2026/27 in June, a 25% increase. The plan includes $826 million in operating revenue and $302 million in capital improvement spending, up 31%. Despite the record volumes, the port's budget assumes a 7% decline in cargo volume for the fiscal year, reflecting global trade volatility and policy uncertainty.

The port is investing in infrastructure to sustain competitiveness, including a $74 million rail expansion at Berths 302–305 and a $130 million reconfiguration of the SR 47/Vincent Thomas Bridge interchange. These projects aim to improve inland connections and capacity.

Challenges and Implications

While the Port of Los Angeles thrives, other West Coast ports lag. Savannah reported a record September of 504,015 TEUs, up 3.7% year over year, but Oakland and Seattle-Tacoma have seen weaker volumes. The concentration of cargo at Los Angeles-Long Beach is partly due to carrier routing decisions and cargo diversions.

Operational pressures are mounting: rail-bound container dwell times at Los Angeles-Long Beach hit their highest level of 2026 in September, potentially leading to longer inland delivery times. The port's Clean Truck Fund subsidies and infrastructure investments aim to address community and environmental concerns.

Looking ahead, the main uncertainties remain trade policy, consumer spending, fuel costs, and supply-chain disruptions. As Seroka put it, the port is “focused on maintaining our competitive edge” through modernization and efficiency.

Correction: An earlier version of this article misstated the percentage increase in the port's operating revenue budget. It is up 26%, not 25%.