Port of Long Beach: June Cargo Volumes Stay Strong Amid Signs of Leveling Off

Cargo volumes through the Port of Long Beach remained strong in June but showed signs of leveling off as retail spending cooled down and consumers warmed up to summertime recreation and entertainment as COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.

Dockworkers and terminal operators moved 724,297 twenty-foot equivalent units in June, up 20.3% from the same month last year. Imports rose 18.8% to 357,101 TEUs, while exports saw a relatively flat decrease of 0.5% to 116,947 TEUs. Empty containers moved through the Port jumped 36% to 250,249 TEUs.

“We anticipate e-commerce to drive much of our cargo movement through the rest of 2021 as retailers plan for a busy summer season,” said Mario Cordero, Executive Director of the Port of Long Beach. “However, June serves as an indicator that consumer demand for goods will gradually level off as the national economy continues to open up and services become more widely available.”

During the first half of 2021, demand for household products, electronics and other goods rose as consumers returned to work following the COVID-19 pandemic and contributed to a 38.5% increase in cargo shipments at the Port of Long Beach compared to 1H 2020, with 4,753,828 TEUs processed. Second quarter throughput was 2,377,700 TEUs, up 35.8% from last year, marking the second-best quarter in the Port’s 110-year history.

“We’re optimistic that this is shaping up to be one of our busiest years on record as we continue to overcome the challenges related to COVID-19,” said Long Beach Harbor Commission President Frank Colonna. “We will continue to collaborate with our waterfront workers and industry partners to move cargo quickly and efficiently through the supply chain during this time of ongoing economic recovery.”

Fewer cargo ships called at the Port of Long Beach in June compared to a month earlier due to shifting services and a COVID-19 outbreak at the Yantian port in China that resulted in some vessels delaying arrivals until July.

Meanwhile, rising prices drove down consumer spending for products in May, but overall national retail sales remained 18% higher than pre-pandemic levels, the Port of Long Beach said. As states lifted most COVID-19 restrictions in June, consumers have pivoted to spending at restaurants, bars, travel and other services.

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