The Port of Los Angeles handled more than 2.9 million TEU from June to August 2026. This is the strongest period over three consecutive months in its history. TEU is the unit of measurement for a 20-foot container. In August alone, it was approximately 955,907 TEU. The port reported this on September 9. (Port announcement) Nevertheless, a closer look is worthwhile. August throughput was 0.26 percent below the previous year overall. For loaded imports, the decline was 0.84 percent, and for exports 9.28 percent. Empty containers, however, increased by 4.16 percent. More activity at the quay does not automatically mean more imported goods. (Port statistics) For the Christmas season, some work was brought forward. According to the U.S. trade association RILA, a large portion of Christmas merchandise is already in the country. Retailers ordered and had shipments delivered earlier due to uncertain fuel prices and potential transportation disruptions. Additional shipments are to supplement inventory as needed. (Port announcement) Inventory figures also align with this picture: According to preliminary data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the value of retail inventories in July increased by 0.7 percent compared to June to $838.5 billion. The figures are seasonally adjusted but do not account for price changes. From this, neither actual merchandise quantities nor inventory overstocking can be inferred. (U.S. Census Bureau) There was already more waiting time for shipment removal. For Los Angeles and Long Beach combined, the shipping association PMSA reported an average dwell time of 6.34 days in July for containers with rail connections. In June, it was 5.43 days. The association described the situation as still manageable. These are July figures for both ports, not an August measurement for Los Angeles alone. (PMSA) Classification: The record points to a strong import season with advanced shipments. How much of this represents additional demand remains unclear. The retail trade association NRF expects high imports again in September at the surveyed U.S. ports. This is a forecast, not yet measured throughput. (NRF)