Cargo volume up for Port of Long Beach in June, decreases for Port of Los Angeles

July 18, 2018: Port of Long Beach sees increase in the cargo volume handled in month of June whereas Port of Los Angeles sees 1.1 percent year-on-year decline in cargo traffic.

On one hand, Port of Long Beach has set records last month in terms of cargo volume surging past the previous mark and distinguishing June 2018 as the Port’s best month ever. Trade increased 14.2 percent in June, compared to the same month in 2017. Through June, the Port has handled nearly 4 million TEUs. The Port’s terminals moved 752,188 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), 4.4 percent higher than the previous best month record set in July 2017.

Imports in June were up 14.5 percent to 384,095 TEUs. Export TEUs numbered 135,168, growing 14.3 percent. Empty TEUs shipped overseas to be refilled with goods totaled 232,926, a 13.6 percent increase.

“The domestic and global economies are good, which is why we’re seeing all of this activity. Certainly the escalating trade tensions have everyone in the industry concerned, but we’re going to continue to provide excellent customer service and fulfill our mission of facilitating commerce,” said Mario Cordero, executive director, Port of Long Beach.

On the other hand, the other major port Port of Los Angeles processed 723,141 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) in June, nearly on par – a dip of 1.1 percent – compared to last June. It is the second fiscal year period the Port has surpassed the 9.1 million TEU mark, marking 24 months of record-breaking cargo movement.

June 2018 imports increased 2.9 percent to 382,964 TEUs compared to the previous year. Exports increased 1.4 percent to 147,563 TEUs while empty containers fell 9.7 percent to 192,613 TEUs. Combined, June overall volumes were 723,141 TEUs.