Port of Long Beach Sees Seventh Consecutive Month of Cargo Growth

March witnessed an upswing in trade at the Port of Long Beach, marking the seventh month in a row of year-over-year cargo growth.

Last month, dockworkers and terminal operators handled 654,082 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), a notable 8.3% increase as compared to March 2023. Imports recorded an 8.4% rise, reaching 302,521 TEUs. Meanwhile, exports declined, dropping by 21.3% to 105,099 TEUs. The movement of empty containers through the Port also saw a significant jump of 28.9%, amounting to 246,464 TEUs.

Mario Cordero, CEO of the Port of Long Beach, attributed this growth to strong and persistent consumer demand. “This vital gateway for trans-Pacific trade continues to be driven by robust consumer demand,” said Cordero. “We will continue to build the infrastructure that will allow us to grow our trade strategically and sustainably.”

Highlighting the importance of steady cargo flows, Long Beach Harbor Commission President Bobby Olvera Jr. said, “Stable cargo flows translate into stable jobs for our dedicated workforce.” He vowed to maintain the Port’s status as the “Port of Choice” by ensuring swift, reliable, and sustainable cargo movement, coupled with excellent customer service.

The first quarter of 2024 has seen the Port handle 2,002,820 TEUs, a solid 16.4% rise from the same period in 2023. This quarter ranks as the third busiest start in the Port’s history, following 2021 and 2022.

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