A fall on consumer demand, full warehouses and inflation concerns, caused a decline in cargo containers moved through the Port of Long Beach in September.
Dockworkers and terminal operators moved 741,823 TEUs of cargo containers last month, down 0.9% from September 2021. Imports fell 7.4% to 342,671 TEUs, while exports increased 1.9% to 112,940 TEUs. Empty containers moved through the Port rose 7% to 286,212 TEUs.
Consumers and retailers are concerned about inflation, leading to warehouses filled with inventory and fewer product orders from Asia. The respite is leading to increased capacity on the docks and fewer ships waiting off the coast to enter the Port
said Port of Long Beach Executive Director Mario Cordero.
Moreover, Long Beach Harbor Commission President Sharon L. Weissman, added that “we’re hoping to close the year on a positive note that focuses on our efforts to improve cargo flow while dramatically enhancing air quality.”
The Port of Long Beach has moved 7,342,383 TEUs during the first nine months of 2022, up 3.5% from the same period in 2021. Additionally, the Port processed 2,334,605 TEUs between July 1 and Sept. 30, down 0.3% from the third quarter of 2021.
Recently, the port announced that the increase in supply chain disruptions, COVID-19 restrictions, and record cargo volumes created unprecedented numbers of ships waiting along the coast and congestion at the San Pedro Bay port complex, driving up emissions in 2021.
