THE Port of Los Angeles handled 4.73 million TEU of containers in the first half of 2024 and expects the US economy to drive volumes in the coming months.

Handling 4.73 million TEU in the first half of the year the US West Coast gateway port's container volumes was up some 14 per cent on the first six months of 2023.

In June the Port of LA handled 827,757 TEU which while 10 per cent up on the previous month was 1 per cent lower than in June 2023, the port's strongest month last year, according to UK's Seatrade Maritime News.

Despite the slight dip in year-on-year volumes in June this year Port of LA executive director Gene Seroka was upbeat saying: "June was a great month at the Port of Los Angeles, capping off a stellar first half of the year."

June 2024 loaded imports for the Port of LA were 428,753TEU, a 1.5 per cent drop compared to the previous year, while loaded exports were up 13 per cent at 122,515 TEU.

"The last six months have been steady and consistent, both in terms of cargo volume and, equally important, the efficiency on and around our terminal operations," Mr Seroka said.

Looking ahead he commented: "The US economy continues to be the primary driver of our cargo volume and I expect to see that continue in the months ahead.

"We have ample capacity on our docks to efficiently handle more goods as retailers and e-commerce outlets begin to move fall fashion, Halloween and year-end holiday items through the supply chain."