Port of Long Beach trade slows in May

Shifting trade routes and canceled voyages led to a decline in cargo at the Port of Long Beach in May.

Dockworkers and terminal operators moved 695,937 twenty-foot equivalent units last month, down 8.2% from May 2023. Imports slid 4.5% to 345,271 TEUs and exports decreased 21.1% to 100,885 TEUs. Empty containers moving through the Port declined 7% to 249,782 TEUs.

The Port has moved 3,449,181 TEUs through the first five months of 2024, and is still up 10% from the same period in 2023.

“I am confident we will see additional cargo as we work with industry partners to rebuild our market share in this increasingly competitive environment,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero. “Looking ahead, I anticipate a moderate increase in cargo as we move into summer and we recapture business by delivering the top-notch customer service that makes us the Port of Choice.”

“Our longshore labor, facilities and industry partners are ready for cargo growth as we head into the shipping season for back-to-school and beyond, thanks to our ability to move goods reliably, quickly and sustainably.” said Long Beach Harbor Commission President Bobby Olvera Jr. “Over the long term, the San Pedro Bay ports complex will continue to be a strategic and sustainable gateway for trans-Pacific trade.”

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

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 $200 billion annually and supports 2.6 million jobs across the United States, including 575,000 in Southern California. In 2023, industry leaders named it “The Best West Coast Seaport in North America” for the fifth consecutive year. During the next 10 years, the Port is planning $2.3 billion in capital improvements aimed at enhancing capacity, competitiveness and sustainability.