News / Port of LA volume celebrations tainted by export decline as lines 'opt for empties'

Credit Port of Los Angeles.

US west coast port Los Angeles has reported a 27% year-on-year increase in the number of containers handled last month, closing its year at just under 11m teu.

However, under the headline figures was the admission that exports had fallen to 2005 levels.

Exporters have complained that ocean carriers have been shipping empties rather than collecting export cargo, which brings them significantly less revenue, with the port reporting a 12% year-on-year decline in June, to just 96,000 teu.

“It was the lowest amount ...