Trade through the Port of Long Beach declined 8.2 per cent in May, largely due to tariffs and retaliatory measures.
Dockworkers and terminal operators handled 639,160 TEUs in May, down 8.2 per cent from the same month in 2024.
Imports dropped 13.4 per cent to 299,116 TEUs, exports fell 18.6 per cent to 82,149 TEUs, while empty containers increased 3.2 per cent to 257,895 TEUs.
Despite the May slowdown, the port processed 4.04 million TEUs in the first five months of 2025 — up 17.2 per cent from the same period last year.
Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero said: “We remain cautiously optimistic that import cargo will rebound at the end of June and into July just in time for the peak shipping season, when retailers stock the shelves with back-to-school supplies and begin preparations for the winter holidays.
“While uncertainty remains for the business sector, the Port of Long Beach is continuing to invest in rail and terminal improvements to move cargo efficiently, safely and sustainably.”
READ: Port of Long Beach sets record with busiest April ever
Long Beach Harbor Commission President Bonnie Lowenthal stated: “We are monitoring the development of the new trade policies and the effects on our dockworkers and others across the supply chain. We are staying in close contact with our customers and other port stakeholders as they work to handle the ongoing changes in trade.”
The Port of Long Beach has recently released new analysis highlighting its national economic impact. According to the findings, the port supported more than 2.7 million jobs across the US, generated $176 billion in income, and contributed $309 billion to the national economy.
