Port of Long Beach Kicks Off 2025 with Record Cargo Volumes Amid Tariff Concerns

The Port of Long Beach has made headlines by achieving its busiest January ever, handling a staggering 952,733 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in January 2025.

This represents a remarkable 41.4% increase compared to January 2024 and surpasses the previous record for the month set in 2022 by 18.9%.

The surge in cargo volume is attributed primarily to retailers rushing to import goods ahead of anticipated tariffs on imports from China, Mexico, and Canada.

Key Figures from January 2025

• Total TEUs Handled: 952,733

• Imports: Increased by 45% to 471,649 TEUs

• Exports: Rose by 14% to 98,655 TEUs

• Empty Containers: Increased by 45.9% to 382,430 TEUs

Mario Cordero, CEO of the Port of Long Beach, expressed optimism about the port’s performance, stating, “It’s great to start the year on such a strong note.” He emphasized the commitment to enhancing efficiency and sustainability despite potential challenges ahead.

Factors Driving Growth

The significant increase in cargo volume can be linked to several factors:

• Retailer Preparedness: Retailers are proactively moving cargo due to concerns over potential labor negotiations and tariff hikes that could impact supply chains.

• Strong Consumer Demand: Ongoing consumer demand in the U.S. continues to drive imports.

• Geopolitical Issues: Uncertainties related to trade policies are prompting shippers to front-load their cargo volumes as a precautionary measure.

This record-setting performance marks the eighth consecutive month of year-over-year growth for the Port of Long Beach and follows a record-breaking year in 2024 when it handled over 9.6 million TEUs.

As the port navigates through these turbulent times with changing trade dynamics, it remains committed to providing excellent customer service while prioritizing sustainable growth.

Looking Ahead

As we progress into 2025, industry experts suggest that while the port is positioned for continued growth, the looming uncertainty regarding tariffs and trade policies could impact future operations.

Nevertheless, the Port of Long Beach’s strong start sets a positive tone for what could be another record-breaking year in cargo volumes.

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