PORT OF LOS ANGELES EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR UPDATES GLOBAL, DOMESTIC STAKEHOLDERS ON PORT OPERATIONS, SUPPLY CHAIN TRENDS

SAN PEDRO, Calif. – May 13, 2020 – In a video conference hosted by the Port of Los Angeles, Executive Director Gene Seroka addressed Port operations with business stakeholders, including marine terminal operators, beneficial cargo owners and maritime industry leaders, confirming all Port terminals are open and operating, with cargo operations at approximately 85% of normal volumes.

Earlier Wednesday, Seroka participated in a webinar by the International Ports and Harbors (IAPH) World Ports Conference, titled “Business as unusual - adapting port business models to survive and thrive in the post-COVID-19 era.” More than 1,000 people from around the world participated.
 
“With 33 million Americans out of work today, we’re keeping this Port open and many still have jobs today because of the business that you afford us every day,” said Seroka, speaking to  directly business leaders. “And we are gratefully appreciative of that.”
 
Seroka discussed his additional role as chief logistics officer for the City of Los Angeles and efforts launched through the Logistics Victory Los Angeles (LoVLA) marketplace.  To date, LoVLA has investigated more than 800 supplier leads. Seroka has concurrently served as executive director of the Port of Los Angeles and chief logistics officer for the City of Los Angeles since March. For more information, visit https://www.portoflosangeles.org/lovla.
 
In addition to the COVID-19 pandemic, Seroka pointed out that the other shock to the supply chain system has been the ongoing trade war with China, which resulted in an increase in imports, a decline in exports and a widening of the trade gap. He also noted the Phase One trade deal with China has not panned out as expected.