Port of L.A. hits 3-month record as cargo peak stretches on

The Port of Los Angeles has hit a three-month record, handling over 2.9 million TEUs from June to August. Despite supply chain disruptions and changing tariff policies, the port has seen strong import volumes, with over 955,000 TEUs processed in August. The National Retail Federation expects U.S. import volumes to remain high in September before declining for the rest of 2026. The port’s executive director, Gene Seroka, attributes the strong performance to the port’s links to rail and other efficiencies, despite elevated freight costs related to the Iran war and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The port’s strong performance is a result of importers choosing to route their goods through Los Angeles, despite favorable rates from Asia to the U.S. East Coast.