The Port of Long Beach has braced for a sharp double-digit drop in May shipments, after achieving its most successful April ever and completing 11 straight months of cargo growth.
The downturn follows the recent reactivation of tariffs and retaliatory measures that had been on hold earlier this month.
In April, dockworkers and terminal operators moved an impressive 867,493 TEUs — a 15.6 per cent increase over April 2024 and a 5.7 per cent jump above the previous record set in April 2022.
Imports surged by 15.1 per cent to 419,828 TEUs, while exports dipped 4.5 per cent to 93,842 TEUs.
Meanwhile, the volume of empty containers surged 23 per cent to 353,824 TEUs, reflecting ongoing supply chain adjustments.
The port handled 3.40 million TEUs in the first four months of 2025, marking a 23.6 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024.
Port of Long Beach CEO, Mario Cordero, said: “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.
“Soon, consumers could find fewer choices and higher prices on store shelves and the job market could see impacts, given the continuing uncertainty.”
Long Beach Harbor Commission President, Bonnie Lowenthal, stated: “Even as the biggest tariffs were paused, we still should brace for the effects of tariffs following 11 straight months of cargo growth.
“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.”
In April, after recording its strongest first quarter ever, the Port of Long Beach emerged as the busiest US port for the first three months of the year, fueled by a surge in imports ahead of anticipated tariffs.
