Port of L.A.#039;s October Exports Decrease
The Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro, Calif., has yet to discern the effects of the events of Sept. 11 on imports and exports and will be unable to do so with finality until year’s end, but according to the Port’s executive director, Larry Keller, the hope is that the Port can make a positive contribution economically.
“In the aftermath of the tragic events of Sept. 11 and the military actions which have followed, we are hopeful that our shipping activities can help to bolster the global economy,” said Keller. “The September statistics reflect cargo already in the logistics pipeline, and we are doing all that we can to continue to move cargo safely and efficiently to consumers for the approaching holiday season.”
The import and export statistics for September both increased from the figures for the same time period last year. When comparing statistics from October 2000 to October 2001, the import cargo total again showed an increase, while the export cargo total decreased by just over 3 percent. Sheila Gonzales of the Port maintains that even the October figures are not representative of an impact from the Sept. 11 events.
“It’s still [too] early for us to tell,” said Gonzales. “The cargo we’re receiving now was ordered in early summer. We think that we’ll see something in December.” —Darryl James
