Peak shipping season boosted the Port of Long Beach to its second-busiest August on record and the sixth-busiest month in its 114-year history as retailers continued to see the arrival of goods purchased during a recent pause in tariffs.

Dockworkers and terminal operators processed 901,846 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in August, a relatively flat decline of 1.3% from the record set in August 2024.

August's performance was, however, slower than the 944,232 TEUs recorded in July, which was the third-busiest month in its history.

Imports were down 3.6% to 440,318 TEUs and exports decreased 8.3% to 95,960 TEUs. Empty containers moving through the Port rose 3.7% to 365,567 TEUs.

"Shifting trade policies continue to create uncertainty for businesses and consumers," said Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero.

"Our Supply Chain Information Highway digital tracker is projecting our peak shipping season to be on pace with last year as retailers start to stock their warehouses in preparation for the winter holidays."

Long Beach Harbor Commission President Frank Colonna commended the dockworkers for their continued hard work to keep goods moving through the Port during the peak shipping season.

"Our reputation as a primary gateway for trans-Pacific trade relies on our ability to safely ensure the secure and speedy shipment of goods."

The Port has moved 6,592,708 TEUs through the first eight months of 2025, up 8.3% from the same period last year.

The port handles trade valued at more than US$300 billion annually.

During the next 10 years, the port is planning US$3.2 billion in capital improvements aimed at enhancing capacity, competitiveness, and sustainability.