The Port of Los Angeles processed 890,861 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in April 2026, marking the second-highest April on record with a 5.7% increase compared to the same month last year. The milestone was achieved despite ongoing uncertainty around tariffs and trade policy, driven by strong import demand.
Port Executive Director Gene Seroka described April as the strongest month of 2026 and the highest cargo volume recorded since last August, calling it "a clear sign that the American consumer remains resilient". Loaded imports totaled 459,825 TEUs in April, a 5% year-over-year increase and 21% higher than March. Loaded exports came in at 127,726 TEUs, 0.5% lower than last year, while empty container movements climbed to 303,310 TEUs, 10% above last year.
Through the first four months of 2026, the port handled 3,279,704 TEUs, 2% ahead of its five-year average for the period but 2% below last year's pace, which was driven by significant cargo front-loading. Seroka noted that cargo continues to move efficiently with no back-ups or delays, stating that "based on what we're seeing in Asia, the next wave of imports — from back-to-school to early holiday merchandise — is already beginning to build".
The director emphasized the port's fluidity and consistency, crediting the teamwork of longshore workers, terminal operators, trucking companies, and rail partners. As the nation's busiest container port, Los Angeles continues to demonstrate strong operational performance despite uncertainties in global trade policy.
Note: This summary draws on SupplyChainBrain's publicly visible headline + subhead + opening paragraph and on sector background on port operations.
Key Takeaways:
1. Port of Los Angeles processed 890,861 TEUs in April 2026, marking the second-busiest April on record (5.7% YoY increase)
2. Loaded imports reached 459,825 TEUs, up 5% year-over-year and 21% higher than March
3. First four months of 2026 totaled 3.28 million TEUs, 2% above five-year average
4. Strong American consumer demand persists despite tariff and trade policy uncertainty
5. Port maintains efficient operations with no back-ups or delays
