The Port of Long Beach recorded its second-busiest month ever in May, moving 890,989 TEUs in May, according to new numbers released Thursday, June 9. The amount is second only to May 2021, the port’s busiest month on record, besting May 2022 by 1.8%.
Imports last month dipped 1.7% to 436,977 TEUs and exports fell 12.6% to 118,234 TEUs when compared to the same time last year, according to POLB data. Movements of empty containers, meanwhile, increased 2.6% to 335,778 TEUs year over year.
“We are moving an extraordinary amount of cargo and continue to work with industry partners to quickly move imports and empties off the docks,” port Executive Director Mario Cordero said. “Looking ahead, we are ready for the traditional summertime surge to coincide with China’s recovery from a lengthy (COVID) lockdown.”
So far in 2022, the port has handled more than 4.17 million TEUs, a 3.5% jump from the same amount of time last year, data show. Despite continued inflation risks, conflict in Ukraine and China’s recent lockdown, the port expects “strong income gains and a large savings cushion are anticipated to support consumer spending this year.”
“We are collaborating with federal, state, local and industry stakeholders to find long-term solutions that will satisfy consumer demand and increase efficiency at the port,” Long Beach Harbor Commission President Steven Neal said.
