Port of Los Angeles posts record 2.9M TEUs, eyes strong finish to 2026

The Port of Los Angeles processed 955,907 container units in August, capping the busiest three-month stretch in its history as resilient consumer demand and early holiday shipments drove volumes. With more than 2.

9 million twenty foot equivalent units (TEUs) moving across its docks in June, July and August, the port entered the fall season with momentum despite mixed signals in exports and ongoing economic pressures.

August’s throughput was 6% above the port’s five-year average for the month and roughly on par with last year’s level, according to the port’s monthly media briefing. Over the summer quarter, the port moved more than 2. 9 million TEUs, marking the strongest consecutive three-month period on record.

“We’ve put together an exceptionally strong summer in Los Angeles,” said Port Executive Director Gene Seroka, citing resilient consumer demand, early holiday shipments and a broad cargo mix as key drivers. Loaded imports in August reached 500,302 TEUs, about flat year-over-year and 7% above the five-year August average.

By contrast, loaded exports totaled 115,561 TEUs, down 9% from August 2025, while empty containers rose 4% year over year to 340,044 TEUs. For the first eight months of 2026, the port handled just over 7 million TEUs, up 1. 5% from the same period last year and 5% ahead of its five-year pace.

Retail leaders remain optimistic about the upcoming holiday season despite higher fuel costs, tariffs and other economic headwinds. Brian Dodge, president and chief executive of the Retail Industry Leaders Association, said a large share of holiday merchandise is already in the U. S.

after retailers moved goods earlier this year amid uncertainty over fuel prices, tariffs, and supply chain disruptions, with additional shipments expected as inventories are replenished.

Seroka noted that while trans-Pacific freight rates to the West Coast currently favor East Coast routings, the speed of moving cargo through Los Angeles and onto rail can make the overall economics attractive for importers serving markets across the country.

Looking ahead “September is shaping up to be another strong month, and Los Angeles is well positioned to respond as global trade patterns continue to evolve,” Seroka said, signaling confidence in the port’s ability to handle evolving demand through year-end. Read more articles by Stuart Chirls here.

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