September is usually a strong month for West Coast imports as U.S. companies bring in their year-end holiday goods. Not so in 2022.
On Oct. 19, the Port of Los Angeles reported its lowest import total for September since 2009, amid the Great Recession. The day before, the neighboring Port of Long Beach posted its weakest import total for September since 2016.
Imports to Southern California ports are falling fast because shippers have shifted volumes to East and Gulf coast ports, fearing disruptions from West Coast port labor negotiations. Simultaneously, volumes are now pulling back nationwide due to falling demand.
Holiday imports ‘dropped precipitously’
“In the month of September is where the real story lies,” explained Gene Seroka, executive director of the Port of Los Angeles, during a news conference on Wednesday.
Earlier this year, imports of durable goods bought heavily during the pandemic – furniture, appliances, etc. – began pulling back. In September, declines were heavily driven by reductions in holiday goods, as well.
“September is traditionally a high-volume month for end-of-year products,” said Seroka. “Think toys and games, clothing, footwear and other products. Those holiday gift items dropped precipitously compared to last September, mainly because they came in earlier. This year our peak season was in June and July, as savvy importers moved up the arrival of these goods to bring some certainty back to when they could get to market.”
Click here to read the full report from Greg Miller at American Shipper.
