Consumer Imports Up, American Exports Down as Port of LA Struggles with Supply Chain Challenges

An increase in containers coming in, and a decrease in exports going out has been the theme for the Port of Los Angeles in 2021. Continued strong American consumerism led to a 30% cargo volume increase for the port, while exports were down 23% for the month of August. The reason? As shipping rates see record levels, empty containers are getting sent back to Asia as companies try to keep up with factory order volumes. The Port’s executive director, Gene Seroka says filling containers with ag exports has been elusive, with sky-high repositioning cost and already prevalent supply chain struggles. Read more on the Port of LA and export struggles here.