Trade Cools at Port of Long Beach

Trade passing through the Port of Long Beach slowed down in June, as retailers continued to clear out their warehouses, the port said Thursday.

Dockworkers and terminal operators at the port moved 597,076 TEUs last month, a 28.5% decline from June 2022, which was the port busiest June on record, and more than 21% below May’s volume.

Imports were down 34% YoY to 274,325 TEUs, while exports declined 18% to 94,508 TEUs. Empty containers moving through the Port decreased 25% to 228,243 TEUs.

“We are hopeful to obtain a greater percentile of market share,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero. “We remain confident that our reliability, efficiency and unparalleled service will attract additional trade and economic activity to our Port.”

Next door, the Port of Los Angeles reported its best month in a year in June, with volumes just 5% below last year’s monthly record.

Economists report that consumer spending exceeded expectations during the first half of 2023 and may flatten out through the rest of the year, the Port of Long Beach said.

“We continue to work with our industry partners to grow cargo volume and raise the bar on sustainable operations,” said Long Beach Harbor Commission President Sharon L. Weissman. “Our highly skilled workforce, infrastructure projects and environmental programs continue to make us the Port of Choice.”

In the first half of 2023, the Port of Long Beach moved 3,732,676 TEUs, down 25.5% from the same period last year.

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