During the first five months of 2023, the Port of Long Beach handled 3,135,600 TEUs, a 24.8% decline from the same period in 2022.
Loaded imports declined by 28% to 1,472,626 TEUs, while, on the other hand, loaded exports rose 0.9% to 600,586 TEUs.
Meanwhile, the Port of Long Beach had its best month in 2023 in May, bolstering mid-year prospects for an upward trend in volume.
Last month, dockworkers and terminal operators handled 758,225 TEUs, representing a 14.9% decrease from May 2022. Imports fell 17.2% to 361,661 TEUs, but exports rose 8.1% to 127,870 TEUs. The number of empty containers transported through the Californian port fell by 20% to 268,695 TEUs.
“At mid-year, we’re starting to see signs that cargo volume is on the upswing, with our busiest month since August of last year,” stated Mario Cordero, CEO of Port of Long Beach.
Cargo throughput increased 15.6% from April to May, and 8.6% from March to May. It is important to note that trade was down 14.9% year on year in May, while cargo carried through the Port of Long Beach was down 20.1% year on year in April and 30% in March.
“Over the long term, the San Pedro Bay ports complex will continue to be a strategic and sustainable gateway for trans-Pacific trade,” pointed out Sharon L. Weissman, president of the Long Beach Harbor Commission.
