Despite looming uncertainty over the economic impact of COVID-19, the Port of Long Beach kicks off peak season strong with its best ever August cargo numbers, according to statistics released Wednesday.
About 725,610 TEUs moved through the nation’s second busiest seaport last month, 9.3 percent more than it did the same time a year ago. Long Beach handled 364,792 TEUs in imports last month, a 13 percent jump, and moved 126,177 TEUs in exports, a 1 percent uptick. Empty containers also rose 8.5percent to 234,642 TEUs.
“Despite the recent surge in cargo, uncertainty remains in international trade and the national economy, given the ongoing COVID-19 impacts,” said Port Executive Director Mario Cordero. “August marked another great month for the Port, but we must remain vigilant about the global pandemic’s lasting effects.”
It’s welcome news for Long Beach, which like other ports, saw canceled sailings earlier this year due to the pandemic and lower demand for goods.
In August, port officials saw numbers rise as demand for home improvement items and home exercise equipment and other goods grew at the beginning of peak shipping season, which generally takes place from August to October in preparation for the holiday season.
Visit polb.com/statistics for more.
