Overall cargo volumes at the Port of Long Beach last month were down 15.4% from the same time a year ago, signaling a continued shift in consumer spending and overfilled warehouses, according to data released by the port Sept. 13.
Long Beach handled 682,312 TEUs in August, with 15.4% fewer imports at 325,436 TEUs, and 23.1% fewer exports with 93,402 TEUs year over year. Empty containers also dropped 12.5% to 263,474 TEUs last month.
“We anticipated a modest peak season as our cargo numbers continue to stabilize at pre-pandemic levels,” Port CEO Mario Cordero said. “Over the long term we are strengthening our competitiveness by investing in digital and physical infrastructure projects that will keep goods moving efficiently for decades to come.”
So far this year, Long Beach has processed 993,237 TEUs, a 24.4% drop from the same time in 2022, which was a record year for the port. The latest numbers reflect pre-pandemic levels, when the port handled more than 4.9 million TEUs through August 2019.
“We are collaborating with our industry partners to grow market share while moving goods reliably and sustainably,” Long Beach Harbor Commission President Bobby Olvera Jr. stated. “We intend to close the year on a positive note that focuses on our efforts to improve cargo flow and secure our position as the premier gateway for trans-Pacific trade.”
