The Port of Long Beach in May reached its strongest month so far in 2023, raising mid-year hopes for increased volumes in the months to come.
Dockworkers and terminal operators moved 758,225 TEU last month, down 14.9 per cent from May 2022.
Imports decreased 17.2 per cent to 361,661 TEU and exports increased 8.1 per cent to 127,870 TEU.
Empty containers moved through the Port declined 20 per cent to 268,695 TEU.
Cargo throughput in May was up 15.6 per cent from April, which was 8.6 per cent more than March.
Trade declined 14.9 per cent for May year-over-year, while cargo moved through the port was down 20.1 per cent year-over-year in April and 30 per cent in March.
“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,” said Port of Long Beach Chief Executive Officer, Mario Cordero.
Long Beach Harbor Commission President, Sharon L. Weissman, added: “Over the long term, the San Pedro Bay ports complex will continue to be a strategic and sustainable gateway for trans-Pacific trade.”
“We will work with our industry partners to recapture and grow market share in this increasingly competitive environment.”
The Port of Long Beach has moved 3,135,600 TEU during the first five months of 2023, a 24.8 per cent decrease from the same period in 2022.
Loaded imports are down 28 per cent to 1,472,626 TEU, while loaded exports are up 0.9 per cent to 600,586 TEU.
