Trade volume moving through Los Angeles-area box terminals fell 6.2% in June as America’s largest container port complex prepares for the peak shipping season.
Combined imports at the ports of LA and Long Beach fell 3.6% year-on-year during the month to 368,708 teu, while combined exports dropped 9.7% to 271,772 teu. Weak exports partly accounted for an increase of nearly 6% in empty boxes at the complex.
Including empties exported to Asia for reloading, total volume through the two ports fell 3.1% to 1,305,423 teu.
Earlier this month the National Retail Federation, a US-based importer group, raised monthly year-on-year growth estimates for the fall peak shipping season at all major US container ports based on an improved outlook for consumer spending.
“US consumer spending recorded its largest increase in nearly six years in May, suggesting that the level of confidence about the future has improved,” noted Ben Hackett, founder of consulting firm Hackett Associates. “This is very positive news.”
This post was sourced from IHS Maritime 360: View the original article here.
