PORT OF LOS ANGELES EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ACKNOWLEDGES SUPPLY CHAIN STAKEHOLDERS, USNS MERCY; LOOKS TOWARD SECOND QUARTER

SAN PEDRO, Calif. – April 9, 2020 – In his latest video message, Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka underscores that while Port operations are smooth, cargo volume has declined in 30.9% in March and 18.5% during the first quarter of the year. Looking at the next quarter, production in China is ramping up slightly, but U.S. orders are not – the current demand has decreased.
 
“The loss of work is a hardship for many here around the Port, and our families,” said Seroka. “We will recover as a nation and when that day comes, we will be ready.”
 
Seroka also discussed his role in Logistics Victory Los Angeles (LovLA), a new City program matching available medical supplies with the health care providers in need of them to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. The LoVLA effort is being led by Seroka, who is also serving as the City’s Chief Logistics Officer during this crisis. Learn more at LoVLA.org.
 
Please see video statement below by Executive Director Seroka. For more information, visit portofla.org/covid19.
 
The Port of Los Angeles remains open with all terminals operational during the COVID-19 pandemic and serves as the temporary homeport of the Naval hospital ship USNS Mercy. North America’s leading seaport by container volume and cargo value, the Port of Los Angeles facilitated $276 billion in trade during 2019. San Pedro Bay port complex operations and commerce facilitate one in nine jobs in the five-county Southern California region.