ports

Los Angeles Port Surges on Retail Demand as East Coast Grapples With Weakness

The Port of Los Angeles reported its strongest month of 2026 in April, with container traffic climbing 18% from March and rising 5% year-over-year. This marked the highest volume since August 2025. Loaded imports drove the gains, surging 21% month-over-month to 459,825 teu, while empty containers increased 10% to 303,310 teu. Loaded exports declined slightly. Port leadership attributed the performance to sustained US consumer spending and steady manufacturing activity supporting parts imports. Year-to-date volumes through April totaled 3,279,704 teu, running 2% ahead of the five-year average. The strength contrasts sharply with deteriorating conditions on the US East Coast, where the Port of New York & New Jersey saw box traffic plummet 18.4% month-over-month. West Coast ports now command 44.3% of national container market share, while East and Gulf Coast ports have slipped to 39%.