Port of Long Beach container volumes down 14.9% in May 2023
The Port of Long Beach in May moved 758,225 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) last month, down 14.9% from May 2022. Imports decreased 17.2% to 361,661 TEUs and exports increased 8.1% to 127,870 TEUs. Empty containers moved through the Port declined 20% to 268,695 TEUs, according to the company's release.
Cargo throughput in May was up 15.6% from April, which was 8.6% more than March. Although trade declined 14.9% for May year-over-year, cargo moved through the Port was down 20.1% year-over-year in April and 30% in March.
The Port has moved 3,135,600 TEUs during the first five months of 2023, a 24.8% decrease from the same period in 2022. Loaded imports are down 28% to 1,472,626 TEUs, while loaded exports are up 0.9% to 600,586 TEUs.
The Port of Long Beach is a global leader in green port initiatives and top-notch customer service, moving cargo with reliability, speed and efficiency. As the premier U.S. gateway for trans-Pacific trade, the Port handles trade valued at $200 billion annually and supports 2.6 million jobs across the United States, including 575,000 in Southern California. In 2022, industry leaders named it “The Best West Coast Seaport in North America” for the fourth consecutive year. During the next 10 years, the Port is planning $2.2 billion in capital improvements aimed at enhancing capacity, competitiveness and sustainability.
