The Port of Long Beach started the new year with its strongest January on record and its second-busiest month ever, largely due to retailers moving cargo ahead of the anticipated tariffs on goods from China, Mexico, and Canada.

Dockworkers and terminal operators moved 952,733 twenty-foot equivalent units in January, up 41.4% from the same month last year and surpassing the previous record, set in January 2022, by 18.9%.

Imports jumped 45% to 471,649 TEUs, and exports rose 14% to 98,655 TEUs.

The Port of Long Beach noted that empty containers moving through the Port climbed 45.9% to 382,430 TEUs.

"It's encouraging to start off the year so strongly. As we head into 2025, I thank and congratulate all of our partners for their hard work," said Mario Cordero, CEO of Port of Long Beach.

"We will continue to focus on enhancing both our competitiveness and sustainability, no matter the uncertainties in the supply chain."

Bonnie Lowenthal, Long Beach Harbor Commission president, said the port's longshore labor, marine terminal operators, and industry partners continue to move a record amount of cargo to make this the premier gateway for trans-Pacific trade.

"We're heading into 2025 with a positive focus on our efforts to deliver top-notch customer service while growing sustainably."

The strong start to 2025 marks the port's eighth consecutive monthly year-over-year cargo increase and follows a record-breaking year with 9,649,724 TEUs moved in 2024.

The port handles trade valued at more than US$200 billion annually.

During the next 10 years, the Port is planning US$2.3 billion in capital improvements aimed at enhancing capacity, competitiveness, and sustainability.