THE Port of Los Angeles has become the first port in the Western Hemisphere to handle 10 million TEU in the 12 months to June.

Meanwhile the adjacent San Pedro Port of Long Beach was just behind with a throughput of 900,000 TEU in the same period for the first time in its 110-year history.

LA processed 1,004,222 TEU in May, a year-on year leap of 70 per cent. It was the busiest month ever in the port's 114-year history.

Said Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti: "The port is the beating heart of our economy. Reaching this remarkable milestone is a reflection of its role as a critical engine of the global supply chain - and a testament to our unmatched port infrastructure and highly-skilled workforce."

Said Port of Long Beach executive director Mario Cordero: "Even as we continue to set records during this unprecedented moment in our industry, this is still a fragile moment for the economy and we remain optimistic about our country's continued recovery."