PORT OF LOS ANGELES POSTS SECOND-BEST JULY ON RECORD, CARGO VOLUME REMAINS STRONG

Aug. 18, 2026 - The Port of Los Angeles processed 960,464 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) in July, making it the second-busiest July in the Port's history. The strong performance continued a stretch of historically high cargo volume at the nation's busiest port.

"After topping 1 million container units in June, we nearly reached that mark again in July," said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka. "Businesses continue to move cargo when they see windows of opportunity amid an evolving trade environment, while resilient consumer demand is helping keep imports at historically strong levels.

"We expect another strong month in August, although some cargo that traditionally arrives later in the season has already moved," Seroka added. "Consumer demand remains the most important variable as we look toward the balance of the year."

July cargo was 6% lower than last year's all-time record for the month, when businesses surged cargo ahead of anticipated trade policy changes. Despite the year-over-year decline, July volume was 7.5% above the Port's five-year average for the month.

During the Port's monthly media briefing, Seroka said the Port has the capacity and operational readiness to handle additional cargo should changing global trade routes bring more volume to Los Angeles.

Joining Seroka for the briefing was Lance Hastings, President and CEO of the California Manufacturers & Technology Association. Hastings discussed current business conditions, manufacturing activity, trade policy and tariffs, and the opportunities and challenges facing California manufacturers.

Loaded imports reached 499,552 TEUs in July, down 8% compared with last year's record month but 6% above the five-year July average. Loaded exports totaled 111,776 TEUs, down 8% compared with last year. Empty containers totaled 349,137 TEUs, down 2% year over year.

During the first seven months of 2026, the Port handled 6,083,067 TEUs, 1.8% ahead of the same period last year.