Port of Long Beach reports that its cargo volumes increased last months showing signs of recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted the shipping industry.
Accordingly, the May numbers represent the first month in 2020 that cargo shipments rose at the Port of Long Beach, and followed seven consecutive months of declines attributed to the U.S.-China trade dispute and the COVID-19 epidemic.
Concerning dockworkers and terminal operators at the port, they moved a total of 628,205 TEUs of container cargo last month, a 9.5% rise from May 2019, the port reported.
Imports also grew 7.6% to 312,590 TEUs while exports climbed 11.6% to 134,556 TEUs. Empty containers headed back overseas jumped 11.4% to 181,060 TEUs.
Referring to the port’s state, Long Beach Harbor Commission President Bonnie Lowenthal commented that
We aren’t out of the woods, but this is the gradual growth we have anticipated as the United States starts to rebound from the devastating economic impacts of COVID-19 and the trade war with China.
Overall, Port of Long Beach marine terminals announced that they open and continue operations amid the COVID-19 pandemic in March, having regular vessel calls and scheduled work shifts continuing at the nation’s second-busiest seaport.
