Port posts slower month as import volume stalls

Trade moving through the Port of Long Beach cooled in June as retailers continued to clear warehouses.

Dockworkers and terminal operators moved 597,076 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) last month, a 28.5% decline from June 2022, which was the Port’s busiest June on record. Imports were down 34% 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.”

“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.”

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 has moved 3,732,676 TEUs during the first half of 2023, down 25.5% from the same period last year.

For complete cargo numbers, visit polb.com/statistics.