The Port of Los Angeles reported it had processed 840,165 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) in May, 17% more than in May 2025. The increase was driven by a 26% increase in total loaded imports, whereas exports were down 10%, year on year. 

Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka said increased import volumes came from a range of reasons, including inventory replenishment, concerns about fuel costs, trade-policy uncertainty and preparation for upcoming retail seasons. “Companies are operating with shorter planning horizons and taking advantage of opportunities when they emerge,” Seroka told reporters at a June 16 press conference. 

Through the first five months of 2026, the No. 1 container port in the U.S. handled 4,119,869 TEUs, 1.4% ahead of the pace set during the same period last year.  

Seroka noted that cargo continues to move efficiently through the Port, with no vessel backlogs or cargo delays. 

The 26% increase in imports compared to last year was caused, in part, by softer import volume in May 2025, when many cargo owners temporarily paused shipments after a swathe of so-called reciprocal tariffs came into effect in April. Loaded exports came in at 107,657 TEUs, 10% lower than last year. Empty containers totaled 283,138 TEUs, 18% above May 2025. 

Current and historical cargo data, including fiscal year-end totals, are available here.