Surging cargo volumes boosted the Port of Long Beach to its busiest July on record and the third-busiest month in its 113-year history, as retailers stocked up on goods for the peak shipping season.

The port moved 882,376 twenty-foot equivalent units in July, up 52.6% from the same month last year and surpassing the previous record set in July 2022 by 12.4%.

Imports soared 60.5% to 435,081 TEUs, exports grew 16.3% to 104,834 TEUs, and empty containers moved through the Port jumped 57.8% to 342,462 TEUs.

Container trade in TEUs for July 2024.  [Source: Port of Long Beach]

"We're in a strong position heading into the peak shipping season as consumers purchase back-to-school supplies and shippers move goods ahead of potential tariff increases," said Mario Cordero, chief executive officer of the Port of Long Beach.

"We have plenty of capacity across our terminals, and cargo continues to move efficiently and sustainably at this premier gateway for trans-Pacific trade," he added.

For the first seven months of 2024, the Port of Long Beach moved 5,174,002 TEUs, up 20% from the same period last year.