Port of Los Angeles Forecasts 7% Volume Drop to 9.3 Million TEUs as It Lifts Budget 24%
Updated
Updated · FreightWaves · Jun 12
Port of Los Angeles Forecasts 7% Volume Drop to 9.3 Million TEUs as It Lifts Budget 24%
1 articles · Updated · FreightWaves · Jun 12
Summary
$3.4 billion in approved spending for fiscal 2026-27 comes with a weaker cargo outlook, as the Port of Los Angeles projects container volumes will fall 7% to 9.3 million TEUs.
Tariffs and trade-policy uncertainty are driving importers toward Mexico and Canada routes, while China’s share of containerized imports through Los Angeles has dropped to about 40% from 53.4% in 2025 and 61% in 2020.
$665 million of the budget increase is led by a 31% jump in capital improvements, even as operating expenses rise 6% to $452 million and clean-truck and labor costs climb.
$74 million in rail work at Berths 302-305 and a $130 million SR 47 bridge interchange overhaul are underway, part of a modernization push that also includes the first new container terminal in decades at Pier 500.