The Port of Los Angeles has reclaimed its position as the nation’s busiest port, securing the top spot for the second consecutive month and the third time in the last four months, according to the latest U.S. Census Bureau data released for October.
This resurgence marks a shift after Port Laredo held the top ranking for 20 out of the 21 months preceding July, when the Port of Los Angeles first regained its leading position.
Prior to september 2022, when Port Laredo first ascended to the top, the Port of Los Angeles had dominated the rankings for nearly two decades, with only a few exceptions. These exceptions included a brief period during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic when Port Laredo and JFK International Airport took the lead, followed by two months at the end of 2021 when Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport held the top spot.
The factors contributing to the Port of los Angeles’s comeback are subject to speculation. Some analysts suggest that importers began stockpiling inventory in the summer, anticipating a potential return of Donald Trump to the presidency and a subsequent increase in tariffs on Chinese goods. Inflation during the holiday season, a period of heightened trade activity, may have also played a role.
Whatever the reasons, the Port of Los Angeles achieved a new monthly U.S. record in October, recording $30.98 billion in two-way trade, surpassing its own record set the previous month.
On a year-to-date basis, Port Laredo remains the nation’s top-ranked port, with $284.91 billion in two-way trade compared to $276.53 billion for the Port of Los Angeles. This margin of $8.38 billion is significantly smaller than the $26.18 billion difference observed at the same point in 2023, when port Laredo secured the top ranking for the first time.
Through October, U.S. trade reached $4.43 trillion, representing a 3.69% increase over the same period last year but a 0.63% decline from the record-breaking first ten months of 2022.
Exports have seen a 2.28% increase, while imports have surged by 4.95%. The U.S. trade deficit with the world has widened to $984.29 billion, an increase of $89.26 billion compared to the same time last year, but still falling short of the record-setting pace of 2022, when it reached $1.01 trillion.
Mexico remains the United States’ top trading partner, followed by Canada and China. Civilian aircraft and parts are the nation’s leading exports, followed by oil and refined petroleum. Passenger vehicles top the list of imports, followed by oil and computers.
Both Port Laredo and the Port of Los angeles are on track to set new records for trade in 2024. O’Hare International airport, ranked third, and the Port Huron Blue Water Bridge, ranked ninth, are also projected to achieve record-breaking trade volumes.
Rounding out the top 10 U.S. ports are JFK International Airport (fourth), Port of Houston (fifth), Port of Newark (sixth), Detroit Ambassador Bridge (seventh), los Angeles International Airport (eighth), and Port of Savannah (tenth).
The top 10 U.S. ports accounted for 41.24% of all U.S. trade through October, while the remaining 827 ports contributed to the remaining 88.63%.
For the month of October, the most recent U.S. Census Bureau data, the port of Los Angeles ranked first, just ahead of Port Laredo. It was the third month in the last four that the California seaport ranked first.
## World today News Exclusive Interview: Port of Los Angeles Rises Again
**World Today News Senior Editor**: Joining us today is Dr. Jennifer Lee, a leading expert on international trade and logistics. Dr. Lee, welcome!
**Dr.Lee**: Thank you for having me.
**World Today News Senior Editor**: The latest U.S. Census Bureau data shows the Port of Los Angeles reclaiming its title as the nation’s busiest port. This marks the third time in the last four months it has held the top spot. What are your insights into this recent resurgence?
**Dr. Lee**: This is indeed a notable growth. After over a year of being overtaken by Port laredo,the Port of Los Angeles is showing strong signs of recovery. Its important to remember that, prior to 2022, the Port of Los Angeles had enjoyed a near-monopoly on this ranking for almost two decades.
**World Today News Senior Editor**: What factors might be contributing to this comeback? Some analysts have suggested pre-emptive inventory stockpiling ahead of potential tariff changes.
**Dr. lee**: That’s certainly a plausible description. Wiht the uncertainty surrounding the potential return of tariffs under a particular political climate, importers might be strategically accumulating goods to mitigate future costs. Additionally, the holiday season typically sees a surge in imports, which could further amplify this trend.
**World Today News Senior Editor**: Could the shift in consumer spending habits also be playing a role? We saw massive shifts during the pandemic, with increased demand for goods and online shopping.
**Dr.Lee**: Absolutely. The pandemic-induced e-commerce boom undoubtedly influenced the dynamics at play.
The Port of Los Angeles, with its established infrastructure for handling large volumes of consumer goods, may be benefiting from a normalization of these spending patterns.
**World Today News Senior Editor**: But the Port of Los Angeles is facing stiff competition. what are some of the major challenges they face in maintaining this top ranking going forward?
**Dr.Lee**: The Port of Los Angeles must remain agile and adapt to evolving global trends. Competition from other major ports like Laredo and the ongoing supply chain disruptions continue to pose challenges. Sustainability concerns are also increasingly important, and the Port needs to demonstrate its commitment to environmentally kind practices.
**World Today News Senior Editor**: Looking ahead, what are your predictions for the future of the port of Los Angeles?
**Dr.Lee**: The Port of Los Angeles has a long history of resilience and adaptability. It has demonstrated its ability to overcome previous challenges, and I believe it has the potential to maintain its position as a leading global hub for trade. However, continuous innovation, strategic partnerships, and a focus on sustainability will be crucial for its long-term success.
**World Today News Senior Editor**: Thank you, Dr. Lee, for your insightful analysis.
**Dr. Lee**: You’re welcome.
