LA import container volume increases 5.5pc to 368,842 TEU in October

THE Port of Los Angeles, the largest container port in the US, has announced throughput figures for October that end a four-month import decline with a 5.5 per cent year-on-year increase of import cargo to 368,842 TEU.

The total box volume grew 4.4 per cent year on year in October to 712,586 TEUs due to a 28.1 per cent surge in export volume to 193,547 TEU, reported American Shipper, which noted the growth was in line with October`s retail sales figures that rose 0.5 per cent from September and 7.2 per cent from October 2010.


Retail sales, excluding auto sales, were up 0.6 per cent month on month, and 7.3 per cent over May 2010.


The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) says sales in October performed better than expected, reported American Shipper. "Retail sales rose in October despite continued high unemployment and news of a burgeoning economic crisis in Europe," said RILA statement.


"Increased consumer activity in October in the face of continued economic headwinds bodes well for the upcoming holiday shopping season and for a consumer lead recovery," said RILA president Sandy Kennedy.