CARGO volumes at Port of Los Angeles fell 2.5 per cent to 699,000 TEU in July while the adjacent Port of Long Beach posted an 18.4 per cent increase to 690,244 TEU, the best month in its 104-year history.
LA imports declined 3.5 per cent year on year to 351,000 TEU. Exports plummeted 16 per cent to 136,000 TEU. Empties increased 11 per cent to 212,000 TEU.
Year to date, LA's overall cargo volume fell 3.5 per cent year on year.
LA port spokesman Phillip Sanfield said statistics were unsurprising given the high levels of activity recorded in July 2014 - and the recent departure of six shipping lines from G6 Alliance diverting to neighbouring Long Beach.
Long Beach imports were 16.2 per cent up to 345,912 TEU year on year while exports increased 15.9 per cent to 143,875 TEU, despite the stronger dollar.
"We've worked closely with all of our stakeholders to prepare for our peak season, which is off to a great start with very strong back-to-school shipments and our best export month in a year," said port CEO Jon Slangerup
The stronger dollar is giving retailers the confidence to order more from overseas to stock their shelves for consumers, said the National Retail Federation (NRF).
The NRF foresees at least three to five per cent gins for the back-to-school and early holiday shopping seasons.