Shifting trade routes and cancelled voyages led to a decline in cargo at the Port of Long Beach in May.

The port moved 695,937 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) last month, down 8.2% from May 2023.

It said that imports slid 4.5% to 345,271 TEUs, and exports decreased 21.1% to 100,885 TEUs.

Empty containers moving through the Port declined 7% to 249,782 TEUs.

The Port has moved 3,449,181 TEUs through the first five months of 2024, and is still up 10% from the same period in 2023.

Moderate cargo increase through the summer

"I am confident we will see additional cargo as we work with industry partners to rebuild our market share in this increasingly competitive environment," said Mario Cordero, chief executive officer of the Port of Long Beach.

"Looking ahead, I anticipate a moderate increase in cargo as we move into summer and we recapture business by delivering the top-notch customer service that makes us the Port of Choice," he added.

Bobby Olvera Jr., president of the Long Beach Harbor Commission, said longshore labour, facilities and industry partners are ready for cargo growth as the industry heads into the shipping season for back-to-school and beyond.

"Over the long term, the San Pedro Bay ports complex will continue to be a strategic and sustainable gateway for trans-Pacific trade," he said.