LA Port Hits Second-Highest February Volume on Lunar New Year Cargo Rush

Key Details The Port of Los Angeles processed 824,323 TEUs in February, marking the second-busiest month in port history and representing a 3% year-over-year increase. Loaded imports totaled 433,812 TEUs, up 5% from last year, while loaded exports reached 116,633 TEUs, up 7%. Why It Matters Retailers and manufacturers front-loaded shipments ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday when Asian factories pause production. Port leadership expects March traffic to remain flat before measurable gains return in April as spring and summer fashion inventory replenishment begins. Operational Outlook Port operations remain smooth with truck turns averaging under 60 minutes. Executive Director Gene Seroka confirmed 20,000 drivers are licensed to work the port, with approximately 9,000 making at least one trip weekly. Drayage capacity should remain ample as volumes climb. Market Headwinds Truck rate recovery visible in other U.S. regions has bypassed Southern California due to seasonal weak import demand. Global uncertainty from geopolitical tensions, tariff rulings, and trade policy shifts continues to cast shadows on the outlook, though current cargo flows show no disruption yet.