Los Angeles Port Sets September High on Holiday Import Wave
The Port of Los Angeles moved a record 1.04 million TEUs in September, helped by holiday-related imports and changes in global shipping routes. Loaded imports rose 19% year over year to 545,696 TEUs, while loaded exports increased 10% and first-nine-month volume reached almost 8.1 million TEUs. Lower tariffs, high fuel costs, and Panama Canal restrictions shifted some Asia-linked cargo toward West Coast ports.
September's 1.04 million TEU total included 545,696 loaded inbound boxes, 125,751 loaded outbound boxes, and a record 371,206 empty containers. For the first nine months, Los Angeles moved just under 8.1 million TEUs, over 3% above the prior-year period. Nationwide container imports reached 2.55 million TEUs in September, according to Descartes Systems.
Retailers generate about half of container traffic, and the National Retail Federation projects 2026 US retail sales at $5.6 trillion, 4.4% higher than 2025. AI-related shipments, such as data-center cooling equipment, have also grown. Vietnam now ranks as Los Angeles' second-largest trade partner behind China.
The record cargo flow could affect consumers, retail workers, truckers, warehouse staff, and nearby communities. Strong imports may support jobs and holiday availability, while congestion, emissions, or sudden policy shifts could create delays and cost pressures. Exporters may benefit from more balanced container movement, though uncertainty around trade rules may complicate planning for businesses and households.