The Port of Los Angeles kicked off 2025 by handling 924,245 TEUs in January, marking the busiest start in its 117-year history and reflecting an 8% increase compared to the same month last year.
During the first month of the year, loaded imports reached 483,831 TEUs, representing a 9.5% rise from the previous year. However, loaded exports declined by 10.5%, totalling 113,271 TEUs. The Californian port also processed 327,143 empty boxes, a 14% increase over January 2024.
At a media event, Rachel Michelin, President and CEO of the California Retailers Association, joined Port Executive Director Gene Seroka. Representing the nation’s largest retail market, Michelin addressed the impact of tariffs on retailers.
“This January milestone adds to a great run of strong volume, with the last seven months averaging more than 927,000 container units. A strong economy, along with importers bringing in cargo as a hedge against tariffs and ahead of Lunar New Year, were key factors in January,” stated Gene Seroka, Port of Los Angeles Executive Director at the media briefing.
| January | 2025 | 2024 | Change | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loaded Imports | 483,831.25 | 441,763.05 | 42,068.20 | 9.52% |
| Loaded Exports | 113,270.75 | 126,553.75 | (13,283.00) | -10.50% |
| Total Loaded | 597,102.00 | 568,316.80 | 28,785.20 | 5.06% |
| Total Empty | 327,143.00 | 287,335.50 | 39,807.50 | 13.85% |
| Total | 924,245.00 | 855,652.30 | 68,592.70 | 8.02% |
|
Calendar Year 2025
|
924,245.00 | 855,652.30 | 68,592.70 | 8.02% |
|
Fiscal Year 2024/2025
|
6,490,106.35 | 5,347,954.15 | 1,142,152.20 | 21.36% |
“We continue to move these record-breaking volumes quickly and efficiently, without ship delays,” added Seroka. “Congratulations to the women and men of the ILWU, truckers, terminal operators, and all our stakeholders for continuing to reach new heights.”
