Port of LA Posts Strong April as Consumer Demand Drives 890K TEUs

Key Details The Port of Los Angeles handled 890,861 twenty foot equivalent units (TEUs) in April, marking the second-best April on record. This represents a 5.7% increase compared to April of the previous year, driven primarily by strong retail imports. Why It Matters Consumer demand remains resilient despite ongoing tariff uncertainty and trade policy questions. Port executives report that retailers and manufacturers continue moving goods aggressively, with back-to-school and early holiday merchandise already building in Asian factories. YTD Performance Through the first four months of 2025, the port processed 3.28 million TEUs, running 2% ahead of its five-year average. April marked the strongest month of the year and the highest volume since August of the previous year. Cost Pressures Ahead Diesel fuel prices have surged 50% since the start of the year, prompting trucking companies to consider passing fuel surcharges to shippers, similar to airline fuel adjustments. Port leadership expects these costs to impact carrier economics significantly. Import Momentum Loaded imports totaled 459,825 TEUs in April, up 5% year-over-year and 21% from March. Empty container repositioning jumped 10% as ocean liners strategically position assets for peak eastbound trans-Pacific shipments.