FOLLOWING its strongest April on record and 11 consecutive months of cargo increases, the Port of Long Beach says that it is preparing for a double-digit decline for shipments in May due to tariffs - and retaliatory tariffs - that were paused earlier this month.
In April, Port of Long Beach dockworkers and terminal operators moved 867,493 TEU of container volume, up 15.6 per cent from the same month last year and surpassing the previous record set in April 2022 by 5.7 per cent.
Imports rose 15.1 per cent to 419,828 TEU and exports decreased 4.5 per cent to 93,842 TEU. Empty containers moving through the port jumped 23 per cent to 353,824 TEU.
"After moving the most containerised cargo of any American port in the first quarter of 2025, we are now anticipating a more than 10 per cent drop-off in imports in May - and the effects will be felt beyond the docks," said Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero.
"Soon, consumers could find fewer choices and higher prices on store shelves and the job market could see impacts, given the continuing uncertainty."
"Even as the biggest tariffs were paused, we still should brace for the effects of tariffs following 11 straight months of cargo growth," said Long Beach Harbour Commission president Bonnie Lowenthal. "As we monitor these dynamic changes in trade, the Port of Long Beach will continue to invest in rail and terminal improvements that will allow us to move cargo efficiently, safely and sustainably."
The port has moved 3,403,069 TEU during the first four months of 2025, a 23.6 per cent increase from the same period in 2024, reports Louisiana's MarineLog.
https://www.shippingazette.com/news?news_id=9250500000569
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