The Port of Los Angeles has suffered “two great shocks to the supply chain” over the past several years, according to Gene Seroka, Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles.
“One, the ill-advised trade policy out of Washington that has really hurt global trade and our standing as representatives on that forum,” Seroka said. “The outcome of that trade policy has been an increase in imports, a decline in exports for 14 consecutive months ending earlier this year, and a widened trade gap.”
The novel coronavirus has also put much of the world on halt as people are encouraged to stay safer at home.
“Second is COVID-19, and where folks in China couldn’t go to work, they were trying to get on the mend, trying to curb the virus and eradicate its impact, we saw production dip to the lowest levels imaginable as far as manufacturing,” Seroka said. “Today, the Port is open for business, and all of our 27 terminals and 270 berths are in operation.”
Seroka said the Port of L.A. is the largest port in the Western Hemisphere for containerized cargo.
“What you would see today if you were looking at our port here in Los Angeles is cargo flow is about 80% of normal volume for this time of year, and it’s simply because you and I are not able to go out shopping or dining at our restaurants,” Seroka said.
The demand for goods is not as high as normal, and that is reflected directly at the Port of Los Angeles.
“What we will also see as the country gradually opens with specific guidelines, we will see cargo start to come about again,” he said. “But right now, major retailers are postponing, canceling, or even delaying orders because demand simply is not there.”
Less cargo means fewer jobs at the Port.
“So those truck drivers, the longshore workers, electricians and so many others, are seeing an impact, and that’s painful for all of our families who have business here at the Port,” Seroka said. “One in nine jobs in Southern California today, more than a million people go to work every day during normal times, with jobs related to this port complex. It is so vital to our regional and national economies.”
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