The movement of cargo at the Port of Long Beach increased by 13.4% in February over the same month in 2024, which officials Thursday cited as a result of retailers shipping certain goods ahead of anticipated tariffs on imported products and materials.
Dockworkers moved 765,385 twenty-foot equivalent units. Imports rose by 11.8% to 368,669 TEUs, and exports increased by 2.9% to 90,026 TEUs. Empty containers moving through the port also 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,” port CEO Mario Cordero said in a statement. “We thank our industry partners for choosing to do business with us.”
During the first two months of 2025, the port moved 1,718,118 TEUs, representing a 27.4% increase from the same period in 2024.
Long Beach Harbor Commission President Bonnie Lowenthal noted that the port’s dockworkers, marine terminal operators and industry partners are processing an “extraordinary” amount of cargo.
“We will continue to rely on our reputation of moving cargo quickly, reliably and sustainably while providing outstanding customer service,” she added.