The Port of Los Angeles recorded higher volumes in April compared to its March performance but this is still below the volume seen during the same period last year.

America's number one container port said it moved 688,999 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) in April, 53% more than March volumes, but it represents a decrease of 6.45% compared to last April, which is the standard comparison.

“Given the unique circumstances of a trade war and pandemic, April volumes are better than expected,” said Gene Seroka, port executive director.

“As we move deeper into the remainder of the second quarter, we’re forecasting significantly lower volumes, particularly on the import side," he added, noting that there are at least 28 voided vessel sailings and retailer orders are soft as consumer purchasing and confidence has dropped precipitously.

Imports up, exports down

The Port saw its April imports increased 2.6% to 370,111 TEUs compared to the previous year. Loaded exports, meanwhile, decreased 16.2% to 130,321 TEUs as empty containers declined 14.4% to 188,567 TEUs.

In total, April volumes totalled 688,999 TEUs.

The Port of Los Angeles' said it remains open with all terminals operational during the COVID-19 pandemic and serves as the temporary homeport of the Naval hospital ship USNS Mercy.

North America’s leading seaport by container volume and cargo value, the Port of Los Angeles facilitated US$276 billion in trade during 2019.