The Port of Los Angeles, United States busiest port, saw cargo volumes decline in February due to the impact of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) which slowed down production in mainland China.

In a statement, the Port said its February volumes drop by 22.9% compared to the previous year and further declines are expected to continue in March.

The Port of LA moved 544,037 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) in February, representing a double-digit decline from the same period last year.

“We are more interconnected than ever with our global partners so it’s no surprise that Trans-Pacific maritime trade has been significantly impacted,” said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka.

“We’re actively working with our supply chain partners to be prepared for a cargo surge once production levels ramp up,” Seroka added.

The Port of LA said in particular, February imports decreased 22.5% to 270,025 TEUs compared to the previous year. Exports also decreased by 5.7% to 134,468 TEUs as empty containers declined 35% to 139,544 TEUs.

In general, the Port said February volumes, were also adversely impacted by the Lunar New Year holiday celebrated in Asia, totalled 544,037 TEUs. For the first two months of 2020, total container volumes are 1,350,181 TEUs, down 13% compared to last year.

Impact on March volumes

“As factory production in China remains at low levels, we expect soft volumes in March,” Seroka said adding that looking ahead to anticipated manufacturing improvements, Port of LA “will need to return empty containers to Asia and push lingering US export boxes out swiftly.” 

“While cargo volumes are important, the coronavirus is first and foremost a public health crisis that needs to be brought under control with the collaboration of governments and medical experts from around the world,” Seroka further said.