The Port of Long Beach said it had its second-busiest August on record this past month, and the sixth-busiest month in its 114-year history.
According to the port’s records, dockworkers and terminal operators processed 901,846 units in August down 1.4 percent from the record set in the same month last year. Imports were down 3.6 percent and exports decreased 8.3 percent. Empty containers moving through the port rose 3.7 percent, officials said. Officials said the record reflects the arrival of goods purchased during a recent pause in President Donald Trump’s tariffs.
“Shifting trade policies continue to create uncertainty for businesses and consumers,” Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero said. “Our Supply Chain Information Highway digital tracker is projecting our peak shipping season to be on pace with last year as retailers start to stock their warehouses in preparation for the winter holidays.”
Officials said the Port has moved more than 6.5 million 20-foot equivalent units as of the end of August, up 8.3 percent from the same period last year.
“I commend our dockworkers for their continued hard work to keep goods moving through the Port during the peak shipping season,” Long Beach Harbor Commission President Frank Colonna said. “Our reputation as a primary gateway for trans-Pacific trade relies on our ability to safely ensure the secure and speedy shipment of goods.”