Imports through the Port of Los Angeles surged 32 percent in June to reach the highest monthly level since August of 2008.
Imports last month totaled 371,888 TEUs, by far the highest number of the year. The port's marketing staff reported that peak-season vessel strings are returning to the trans-Pacific and ships are arriving full or close to capacity.
Carriers are also returning empty containers to Asia at a record pace to help relieve a severe shortage of equipment there. Empty containers handled at the port were up almost 53 percent compared to June 2009.
Exports increased 12.6 percent last month compared to June 2009. Although exports have been rebounding since late last year, there is normally a seasonal summer dip, and then exports pick up strongly with the autumn agricultural harvest.
Total container volume at the Port of Los Angeles in June was up 32 percent over last year. Year-to-date, imports, exports and empties were up 15 percent compared to the first six months of 2009.
Source:www.joc.com