Cargo growth is expected to continue in 2016 despite challenging market conditions, according to panelists at the annual Pulse of the Ports event held by the Port of Long Beach.

According to Mario Moreno, senior economist at IHS Maritime & Trade, containerized exports from Asia to the US will grow at approximately 5.5% this year, while the overall US economy will grow at 2.3%.

The event consisted of seven speakers from different segments of the supply chain who discussed mega-ships, congestion, cargo volumes and the future of the transportation industry, according to the port.

“The uneven global economy, strong US dollar, opening of the Panama Canal and the introduction of mega-sized container vessels to US ports has created dynamic conditions for the maritime industry that will continue to play out over the next two years,” said Jon Slangerup, CEO of the Port of Long Beach. “At Long Beach, we will continue to host gatherings like the Pulse of the Port to stay in tune with our customers and industry partners as we invest in our Green Port of the Future.”