2017
January proves to be the busiest January and the second busiest month in Port of Los Angeles history. Imports increase 13.1 percent compared to the previous January and exports rise by 28.7 percent.
Fruit and vegetable imports for the month reach 4,885 TEUs, accounting for 1.1 percent of the total 415,423 TEU imports that month.
LA Produce: Then & Now
Looking back at LA’s storied history, there’s no question that the fresh produce trade has played a major role across the dec-ades. As the city continues to evolve and areas are redeveloped, its wholesale markets face unique challenges and uncertainties.
Despite these obstacles, the produce industry remains strong in the City of Angels—and much of this success can be owed to the area’s two thriving ports, a pipeline for tons of fruit and vegetables each day.
“The Port of Los Angeles is well positioned to continue to be the primary North American trade gateway,” says Sanfield. “We continue to build on our unparalleled world-class infrastructure while improving supply chain optimization and providing outstanding customer service to our customers.”
Dr. Hacegaba is equally optimistic about what lies ahead for the Port of Long Beach. “Our future is bright,” he enthuses. “We are strategically located, offering direct access to most major U.S. markets.”
Better yet, major investments are on the way including “$4 billion this decade for infrastructure improvements and $3 billion the next decade to handle the big ships of tomorrow with world-class efficiency,” he shares. “We’re confident these efforts will keep us ahead of the competition today and in the future.”
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