Container volume at the Port of Los Angeles declined 16.3 percent in May compared to May 2008, which was about par with the port’s performance since January.
However, like neighboring Long Beach, Los Angeles in May recorded its best performance so far this year in containerized imports. That indicates container volumes are beginning to build toward the normal seasonal high that should be recorded in the September-October period.
Containerized imports in May were down 18 percent from May 2008. Exports were off only 7 percent in Los Angeles, the nation’s busiest container port.
Imports have increased steadily each month from 206,034 TEUs in February to 304,109 TEUs in May, according to statistics posted Monday on the Port of Los Angeles Web site.
Loaded export containers have also increased steadily each month, from 111,595 in February to 152,471 in May.
Retailers this year are being extremely cautious in rebuilding their inventory levels, which accounts for the double-digit drop in imports compared to the same period last year.
With less than one month left to place orders with factories in Asia for Christmas merchandise, it appears that imports by the nation’s retailers during the fall peak shipping season will be much lower than they were last year.
However, like neighboring Long Beach, Los Angeles in May recorded its best performance so far this year in containerized imports. That indicates container volumes are beginning to build toward the normal seasonal high that should be recorded in the September-October period.
Containerized imports in May were down 18 percent from May 2008. Exports were off only 7 percent in Los Angeles, the nation’s busiest container port.
Imports have increased steadily each month from 206,034 TEUs in February to 304,109 TEUs in May, according to statistics posted Monday on the Port of Los Angeles Web site.
Loaded export containers have also increased steadily each month, from 111,595 in February to 152,471 in May.
Retailers this year are being extremely cautious in rebuilding their inventory levels, which accounts for the double-digit drop in imports compared to the same period last year.
With less than one month left to place orders with factories in Asia for Christmas merchandise, it appears that imports by the nation’s retailers during the fall peak shipping season will be much lower than they were last year.