The Port of Long Beach recorded steady container volumes in February, with operations continuing without disruption despite ongoing geopolitical and trade-related uncertainty.
Dockworkers and terminal operators handled 767,525 TEUs during the month, a marginal increase of 0.3 per cent compared to February 2025.
Imports edged down by 0.2 per cent to 368,060 TEUs, while exports rose 8.2 per cent to 97,422 TEUs. The movement of empty containers declined slightly by 0.15 per cent to 302,044 TEUs.
Port CEO Dr Noel Hacegaba during a virtual media briefing, said: “Cargo volumes at the Port of Long Beach remained positive in February.
“Despite growing uncertainty fueled by the conflict in the Middle East, cargo continues to move fluidly, planned shipments are on schedule, and the Port of Long Beach remains a safe harbour in the sea of trade and geopolitical uncertainty.”
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Across the first two months of 2026, the port processed 1,615,290 TEUs, representing a 6 per cent decline compared to the same period last year, which marked a record.
Port officials said they are closely monitoring developments in the Middle East, alongside the implications of a recent Supreme Court ruling on tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
The court found roughly two-thirds of those tariffs to be unconstitutional.
Hacegaba added: “The conflict in the Middle East has added more uncertainty to global trade and triggered broad market conditions and reactions from parties across the supply chain.
“Operations at the Port of Long Beach continue without disruption. All terminals are open and cargo continues to move fluidly.”
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Long Beach Harbor Commission President Frank Colonna said the port remains well-positioned to accommodate shifting trade flows: “The Port of Long Beach continues to be a strategically important seaport in the global market and a reliable option for customers.”
“We are ready to accept additional cargo if shippers need to pivot.”
Hacegaba also pointed to the impact of the conflict on energy markets. Around 20 per cent of global oil supply transits through the Strait of Hormuz, where vessel traffic has slowed significantly.
“The disruption at the Strait of Hormuz has already triggered a rapid rise in oil prices,” he said.
“When the price of oil goes up, the cost of shipping increases and consumers pay more at the gas pump and for many everyday goods.”
While higher fuel costs have not yet affected cargo movement at the port, Hacegaba noted that prolonged disruption could place additional pressure on global supply chains.
For more information:
Port of Long Beach – https://polb.com/
