Cargo surge driven by back-to-school, potential tariff increases

Surging cargo volumes lifted the Port of Long Beach to its most active July on record – and the third-busiest month in its 113-year history – as retailers stocked up on goods headed into the peak shipping season.
Dockworkers and terminal operators moved 882,376 twenty-foot equivalent units in July, up 52.6% from the same month last year and surpassing the previous record set in July 2022 by 12.4%. Imports soared 60.5% to 435,081 TEUs, exports grew 16.3% to 104,834 TEUs, and empty containers moved through the Port jumped 57.8% to 342,462 TEUs.

“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,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero. “We have plenty of capacity across our terminals and cargo continues to move efficiently and sustainably at this premier gateway for trans-Pacific trade.”

“Our waterfront workforce continues to move trade through the Port at a record-setting pace,” said Long Beach Harbor Commission President Bonnie Lowenthal. “Our strong partnerships with labor and industry continue to help us meet the evolving needs of our customers.”
The Port has moved 5,174,002 TEUs during the first seven months of 2024, up 20% from the same period last year.