As consumer demand soars, LA Port anticipates early peak cargo season

coracle News

An earlier-than-normal peak season is expected at the Port of Angeles as retailers build up inventory to meet the demands of consumer purchasing. The port handled 970,000 units of cargo in May, the third-busiest month on record for the United States’ busiest port; Asian imports to West Coast ports were up 60 percent in May and 57.1 percent in April.

President Joe Biden, who visited the port on Friday, highlighted his administration’s efforts since last year to reduce the backlogs at the LA Port and its counterpart at Long Beach, which together handle 42% of containerized trade with Asia. As Shanghai and its surrounding ports attempt to ease congestion caused by COVID lockdowns, it is expected that increases in cargo arrivals from those areas could put further strain on US West Coast ports and clog supply chains.


Sources:
1. US imports from Asia surge to unexpected record in May, Journal of Commerce, June 15, 2022. Accessed June 20, 2022.
2. LA Port braces for peak cargo season to arrive early as consumers keep buying, The Economic Times, June 11, 2022. Accessed June 20, 2022.