Volumes drop 21% at US West Coast ports

The Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach both recorded drops of 21% in container volumes in November, due to reduced orders from retailers, full warehouses, vessel transfers between the San Pedro Bay ports and goods shifting toward seaports along the East and Gulf coasts.

Throughput in Los Angeles reached 639,344 teu, while volumes are down 7% in the first 11 months of the year.

Port of Los Angeles executive director Gene Seroka said: “Imports into the United States have begun to level off, in addition to cargo that has shifted away from West Coast ports due to protracted labour negotiations.