Port of Long Beach Sets Record for Busiest July as Imports Soar

Surging import volumes propelled the Port of Long Beach to its busiest July on record and the third-busiest month ever as retailers prepared for the peak shipping season.

In July, dockworkers and terminal operators moved 882,376 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), marking a staggering 52.6% increase from the same month last year and surpassing the previous record set in July 2022 by 12.4%.

Imports soared 60.5% to 435,081 TEUs, while exports grew 16.3% to 104,834 TEUs and empty containers processed through the port jumped 57.8% to 342,462 TEUs.

“We’re in a strong position heading into the peak shipping season as consumers purchase back-to-school supplies and shippers move goods ahead of potential tariff increases,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero. “We have plenty of capacity across our terminals and cargo continues to move efficiently and sustainably at this premier gateway for trans-Pacific trade.”

Long Beach Harbor Commission President Bonnie Lowenthal added, “Our waterfront workforce continues to move trade through the Port at a record-setting pace. Our strong partnerships with labor and industry continue to help us meet the evolving needs of our customers.”

The busy July followed the Port of Long Beach’s record-setting June, when dockworkers and terminal operators moved 842,446 TEUs, up 41.1% from June 2023 and surpassing the previous record set in June 2022 by 7,034 TEUs. The growth was driven by strong consumer spending, potential tariff increases, and ongoing labor contract negotiations at ports on the East and Gulf coasts.

In June, imports at the Port of Long Beach jumped 53% to 419,698 TEUs, exports rose 4% to 98,300 TEUs, and empty containers increased 42.1% to 324,448 TEUs.

Cordero previously noted that the port anticipates modest growth in the second half of 2024, driven by recaptured market share and increased consumer spending. The port is focusing on strengthening competitiveness and investing in rail infrastructure to enhance cargo velocity efficiently and sustainably.

Overall, the Port of Long Beach has moved 5,174,002 TEUs during the first seven months of 2024, up 20% from the same period last year.

Next door the Port of Los Angeles also reported its busiest July, with 939,600 TEUs for a 37% gain over last year. Loaded imports landed at 501,281 TEUs, marking a 38% spike compared to the 2023. Seven months into 2024, the Port of Los Angeles is 18% ahead of its 2023 pace.  

The strong import volumes come ahead of a potential strike at East and Gulf Coast ports International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) continue to negotiate a new master contract as the September 30 deadline approaches.

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