The Port of Los Angeles (Port of LA) reported a decline in October throughput, yet the facility is still positioned to reach 10 million container units this year.

The Port processed 848,431 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) last month, which it described as a "solid performance" given all the trade volatility this year.

After 10 months, the gateway — one of North America's busiest — handled 8,655,489 TEUs, 2% more than last year.

 (Source: Port of Los Angeles)

"With six weeks to go, we are within reach of the 10 million container unit-mark for the year," said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka.

"If we reach that milestone, it would be the third time in our history and something no other Western Hemisphere port has achieved even once. That kind of performance is powered by the skill and dedication of our waterfront workforce along with the terminal operators who keep this port running safely and efficiently every day."

Volume to soften in November, December

Seroka expects cargo to soften in November and December compared to last year, when shippers were already bringing in cargo ahead of schedule as a hedge against tariffs.

He noted that today, retail and manufacturing inventories are well-stocked, so there's less need for replenishment.