Port of Long Beach busiest in U.S. through first quarter

Apr 15, 2025

Anticipated tariffs drive 10th consecutive month of import growth for March

Coming off its best first quarter on record, the Port of Long Beach is the nation’s busiest port through the first three months of the year as imports surged ahead of anticipated tariffs.

Dockworkers and terminal operators moved 817,457 twenty-foot equivalent units last month, up 25% from March 2024. Imports grew 25.8% to 380,562 TEUs and exports decreased 1% to 104,063 TEUs. Empty containers moving through the Port rose 35% to 332,832 TEUs. March also marked the Port’s 10th consecutive monthly year-over-year cargo increase.

“We are leading the way as the nation’s busiest port by ensuring the fastest, most efficient delivery of cargo from our docks to anywhere in the United States,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero. “Our investments in state-of-the art, modern facilities allow us to move record amounts of cargo with maximum efficiency as we continue to deliver the highest standard of customer service.”

“Our highly skilled dockworkers have put in the hard work to help us become the busiest seaport in the United States during the first quarter of the year,” said Long Beach Harbor Commission President Bonnie Lowenthal. “We’re working hard to attract business, operate sustainably and develop projects that will ensure our long-term growth.”

The Port has moved 2,535,575 TEUs during the first quarter of 2025, a 26.6% increase from the same period in 2024.

The Port also saw its busiest first half of any fiscal year on record, with 5,267,926 TEUs moved since Oct. 1, making it the nation's busiest port for the last six months.

In 2024, the Port of Long Beach was the nation’s second-busiest seaport with 9.6 million TEUs processed, and our San Pedro Bay neighbor, the Port of Los Angeles, was No. 1, with 10.3 million TEUs.

For complete cargo numbers, visit polb.com/statistics.

In 2025, the Port is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Green Port Policy, which has led to aggressive, industry-leading programs to improve air and water quality, protect marine wildlife and implement sustainable practices. To learn more, visit www.polb.com/environment.

The Port of Long Beach is a global leader in green port initiatives and top-notch customer service, moving cargo with reliability, speed and efficiency. As the premier U.S. gateway for trans-Pacific trade, the Port handles trade valued at more than $300 billion annually and supports 2.6 million jobs across the United States, including 575,000 in Southern California. In 2024, industry leaders named it “The Best West Coast Seaport in North America” for the sixth consecutive year. During the next 10 years, the Port is planning $3.2 billion in capital improvements aimed at enhancing capacity, competitiveness and sustainability.