Cargo volumes grow as retailers prepare for tariff increases

Trade moving through the Port of Long Beach rose for a ninth consecutive month in February as retailers continued to move goods ahead of anticipated tariffs placed on some imported products and materials.

Dockworkers and terminal operators moved 765,385 twenty-foot equivalent units in February, up 13.4% from the same month last year. Imports rose 11.8% to 368,669 TEUs and exports increased 2.9% to 90,026 TEUs. Empty containers moving through the Port climbed 19.1% to 306,690 TEUs.

“No matter the situation, the Port will remain competitive by delivering exceptional customer service and moving ahead with capital improvement projects that will allow us to grow well into the future,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero. “We thank our industry partners for choosing to do business with us.”

“Our dockworkers, marine terminal operators and all of our industry partners are processing an extraordinary amount of cargo through this vital trans-Pacific gateway,” said Long Beach Harbor Commission President Bonnie Lowenthal. “We will continue to rely on our reputation of moving cargo quickly, reliably and sustainably while providing outstanding customer service.”

The Port has moved 1,718,118 TEUs during the first two months of 2025, a 27.4% increase from the same period in 2024.