Cargo movement through the Port of Long Beach cooled off in June, with total container volumes falling by double digits compared to the same month last year. Still, port officials are optimistic that July could see a rebound, thanks to a temporary pause on tariffs that may encourage retailers to restock ahead of the busy peak season.
According to figures released by the Port, dockworkers and terminal operators handled 704,403 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) last month, a 16.4% drop from June 2024. Imports dipped by 16.9% to 348,681 TEUs, while exports declined 10.9% to 87,627 TEUs. Empty containers were also down, falling 17.4% year-over-year to 268,095 TEUs.
”We’re anticipating a cargo surge in July as retailers stock up on goods ordered during the 90-day pause placed on tariffs and retaliatory tariffs,” said Mario Cordero, CEO, Port of Long Beach.
”No matter the economic situation, our facilities, dockworkers and marine terminal operators continue to make this the premier gateway for trans-Pacific goods movement,” said Bonnie Lowenthal, Commission President, Long Beach Harbor.
The Port has moved 4,746,631 TEUs through the first half of 2025, up 10.6% from the same period in 2024.
