Early cargo moves ahead of this year’s tariff changes have put the Port of Long Beach on track for its busiest year on record, surpassing the 9.6 million containers handled in 2024.
In November, the port posted its second-busiest month on record as dockworkers and terminal operators moved 817,561 TEUs, 7.5 per cent below the all-time high set in November 2024.
Imports fell 7.5 per cent to 400,505 TEUs, exports slipped 7.5 per cent to 110,122 TEUs and empty containers declined 8.2 per cent to 306,934 TEUs.
Port of Long Beach CEO, Mario Cordero, said: “Cargo moved at a steady rate with no congestion or disruptions at the Port of Long Beach as consumers, businesses and supply chain partners endured an extraordinary amount of uncertainty caused by shifting trade policies throughout 2025.
“We will continue to move trade smoothly through the end of the year, and look forward to a moderate increase in cargo for 2026.”
Long Beach Harbor Commission President Frank Colonna, stated: “We are closing in on a record year thanks to the outstanding work of our waterfront workforce and terminal operators who have moved a tremendous amount of cargo throughout 2025.
“We are focused on ensuring consumers are able to purchase gifts at stores and online during this busy holiday season.”
Through the first 11 months of 2025, the port has handled 9.04 million TEUs, up 2.9 per cent on the same period last year.
Recently, the Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners unanimously appointed Dr Noel Hacegaba as the incoming Chief Executive Officer of the Port of Long Beach, effective 1 January 2026.
