Cargo volumes handled in April at the Port of Long Beach eclipsed a record set 13 years ago.

Dockworkers at marine terminals moved 628,121 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in April. The previous high was 619,512 TEUs in April 2006. Imports in April 2019 rose 1.8% to 317,883 TEUs compared to last year. Exports decreased 12.7% to 123,804 TEUs, while empties rose 13.5% to 186,435 TEUs. Total container volume was up 1.6% over April 2018.

Port of Long Beach Executive Director Mario Cordero said the surge in empties shows the lingering impacts of the rush of imported cargo in fourth quarter 2018 as retailers stocked goods to outrun potential tariffs.

“Ocean carriers have been busy repositioning containers back to Asia after sending so many to North America late last year,” said Cordero. “With peak season approaching, we’re expecting imports to continue to grow, but it’s clear exports are suffering under the weight of tariffs.”