Long Beach prepares for cargo downturn after months of gains

Following its strongest April on record and 11 consecutive months of cargo increases, the Port of Long Beach is preparing for a double-digit decline in May shipments.

The Californian port moved 867,493 TEUs in April, translating to a 15.6% increase from the same month last year and surpassing the previous record set in April 2022 by 5.7%. Imports rose 15.1% to 419,828 TEUs, exports decreased 4.5% to 93,842 TEUs, while empty containers moving through the Port jumped 23% to 353,824 TEUs.

“After moving the most containerized cargo of any American port in the first quarter of 2025, we are now anticipating a more than 10% drop-off in imports in May – and the effects will be felt beyond the docks,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero. “Soon, consumers could find fewer choices and higher prices on store shelves and the job market could see impacts, given the continuing uncertainty.”

Meanwhile, the Port of Long Beach has moved 3,403,069 TEUs during the first four months of 2025, representing a 23.6% growth from the same period in 2024.

The post Long Beach prepares for cargo downturn after months of gains appeared first on Container News.