The Port of Long Beach saw its cargo numbers dip last month, a result of concerns about inflation, slowing consumer demand and other factors, according to new data released by the port Oct. 18.
The Southern California seaport processed 741,823 TEUs in September, a 0.9% dip from September 2021. Imports fell 7.4% to 342,671 TEUs last month. Meanwhile, exports inched up 1.9% to 112,940 TEUs from the same time a year ago. The port also saw 7% more empty containers year over year with 286,212 TEUs.
“Consumers and retailers are concerned about inflation, leading to warehouses filled with inventory and fewer product orders from Asia,” Port Executive Director Mario Cordero said. “The respite is leading to increased capacity on the docks and fewer ships waiting off the coast to enter the port.”
So far this year, the port handled 3.5% more cargo — 7,342,383 TEUs — than it did in the first nine months of 2021, data show. Comparing Q3 2022 to Q3 2021, Long Beach moved 0.3% fewer containers, with 2,334,605 TEUs between July 1 and Sept. 30, according to the port.
“We’re hoping to close the year on a positive note that focuses on our efforts to improve cargo flow while dramatically enhancing air quality,” Long Beach Harbor Commission President Sharon Weissman said.
