The Port of Los Angeles (Port of LA) moved 828,016 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) in August, a 3% increase compared to the same period last year, marking the port's first monthly year-over-year increase in 13 months.

"August was a very solid month with increases both on the import and export sides of our business," said Gene Seroka, executive director at Port of LA.

"Overall, global trade has eased this year, and we expect that trend to continue in the coming months. Operationally, Los Angeles stands ready with capacity we're prepared to scale on demand," he added.

Seroka also noted that the recent ratification of the six-year contract between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and the Pacific Maritime Association restores stability and confidence to customers as they make decisions on where to ship their cargo.

"With this contract in effect through 2028, you can continue to count on our longshore workers and terminal operators to keep cargo moving through the nation’s busiest port," he told a recent press conference.

"When we are operating on all cylinders like we are right now, there's no better choice for cargo than the Port of Los Angeles."

For August, loaded imports landed at 433,224 TEUs, an increase of 7% compared to the previous year.

Loaded exports came in at 124,988 TEUs, an increase of 22% compared to 2022. Empty containers totalled 269,804 TEUs, a 10% year-over-year decline.

Combined, August volumes were 828,016TEUs, a 3% increase compared to last August.

Port of LA added that eight months into 2023, the Port has processed 5,649,686 TEUs, 21% less than the same period last year.