The Port of Long Beach announced that increasing cargo volumes lifted the port to its most active July ever recorded, which is also the third-busiest month in its entire 113-year history.
The port mentions that might be the result of retailers stocking up on goods now heading into the peak shipping season, and potential tariff increases.
Dockworkers and terminal operators moved 882,376 twenty-foot equivalent units in July, which is up 52.6% from the same month last year and surpassing the previous record set in July 2022 by 12.4%.
The imports soared 60.5% to 435,081 TEUs, plus exports grew 16.3% to 104,834 TEUs, and empty containers moved through the Port jumped 57.8% to 342,462 TEUs.
Mario Cordero, chief executive officer of the Port of Long Beach, said that “We’re in a strong position heading into the peak shipping season as consumers purchase back-to-school supplies and shippers move goods ahead of potential tariff increases,” adding that, “We have plenty of capacity across our terminals and cargo continues to move efficiently and sustainably at this premier gateway for trans-Pacific trade.”
Long Beach harbor commission president, Bonnie Lowenthal, noted: “Our waterfront workforce continues to move trade through the Port at a record-setting pace. Our strong partnerships with labor and industry continue to help us meet the evolving needs of our customers.”
The port finally informs that it has moved 5,174,002 TEUs during the first seven months of 2024, up 20% from the same period last year.
