In February, trade through the Port of Long Beach experienced a significant rise for the ninth consecutive month. This surge can be attributed to retailers proactively moving goods in anticipation of potential tariffs on certain imported items and materials. During this period, dockworkers and terminal operators handled 765,385 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), marking a 13.4% increase compared to the same month last year. Imports grew by 11.8%, totaling 368,669 TEUs, while exports saw a modest rise of 2.9% at 90,026 TEUs.
The volume of empty containers passing through the port also surged by 19.1%, amounting to 306,690 TEUs. Mario Cordero, CEO of the Port of Long Beach, expressed confidence in the port’s ongoing competitiveness, emphasizing the commitment to delivering exceptional customer service and advancing capital improvement projects to support future growth. Bonnie Lowenthal, President of the Long Beach Harbor Commission, highlighted the extraordinary efforts of dockworkers, marine terminal operators, and industry partners who are efficiently processing a substantial amount of cargo through this essential trans-Pacific gateway. She reaffirmed the Port’s dedication to maintaining a reputation for fast, reliable, and sustainable cargo movement, coupled with outstanding customer service.
In total, the Port of Long Beach has recorded 1,718,118 TEUs moved during the first two months of 2025, representing a remarkable 27.4% increase from the same period in the previous year. The continued growth underscores the port’s pivotal role in international trade and its ability to adapt to evolving market conditions.