SOUTHERN California ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach both suffered declines in June cargo volumes, but one suffered far more than the other.

The Port of Los Angeles lifted five per cent fewer containers in June year on year to 833,035 TEU, yet it was still LA's best performance since last July.

The adjacent Port of Long Beach lifted 28.5 per cent fewer containers in June year on year to 597,076 TEU, blaming the decline on retailers overstocking as a result of the Covid scare,

Said LA port executive director Gene Seroka: "Cargo volume has increased 70 per cent since February with four months of consecutive gains.

"Although we will likely see cargo ease in July, I'm optimistic that the second half of 2023 will show improved performance compared to the first six months," he said.

June 2023 loaded imports reached 435,307 TEU, down two per cent compared to the previous year. Loaded exports came in at 108,050 TEU, an increase of 15 per cent compared to last year. Empty containers landed at 289,679 TEU, a 14 per cent decline.

During the first six months of 2023, the port handled 4,137,379 TEU, a 24 per cent decline compared to the same period in 2022.

Said Long Beach port CEO Mario Cordero: "We are hopeful to obtain a greater percentile of market share. We remain confident that our reliability, efficiency and unparalleled service will attract additional trade and economic activity to our port."

The Port has moved 3,732,676 TEUs during the first half of 2023, down 25.5 per cent from the same period last year.

Long Beach imports were down 34 per cent to 274,325 TEU, while exports declined 18 per cent to 94,508 TEU. Empty containers moving through the port decreased 25 per cent to 228,243 TEU.