The Port of Long Beach informed that the cargo volumes handled in April broke a record that was set 13 years ago. Namely, the Port moved 628,121 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in April, while in the same month in 2006 it had moved 619,512 TEUs.
Dockworkers at marine terminals at the Port of Long Beach handled a total of 628,121 (TEUs) in April. The previous record was 619,512 TEUs in April 2006.
Imports in April 2019 also increased 1.8% to 317,883 TEUs in comparison to last year, while exports were less by 12.7%, reaching to 123,804 TEUs. Empties marked a rise of 13.5% to 186,435 TEUs.
What is more, total container volume was up 1.6% over April 2018.
Commenting on the results, the Port of Long Beach Executive Director Mario Cordero said the increase in empties shows the affects of the rush of imported cargo in fourth quarter 2018 as retailers stocked goods to outrun potential tariffs.
Ocean carriers have been busy repositioning containers back to Asia after sending so many to North America late last year. With peak season approaching, we’re expecting imports to continue to grow, but it’s clear exports are suffering under the weight of tariffs
In addition, Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners President Tracy Egoscue, said that this trade gateway moves $1 billion in goods each day, with trade at the Port of Long Beach being connected to over 576,000 jobs in the Southern California and 2.6 million in the US.
During 2019, the Port of Long Beach has handled more than 2.4 million TEUs. This is 3.1% off last year’s pace.
