The Port of Long Beach recorded trade growth in February, which was attributed to cooling inflation, rising consumer confidence, and an ongoing effort to recapture market share.

The gateway moved 674,723 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) last month, up 24.1% from February 2023.

It added that imports during the period were up 29.4% to 329,850 TEUs, and exports declined 21.1% to 87,474 TEUs.

Meanwhile, empty containers moving through the Port increased 44.8% to 257,400 TEUs.

"Our top-notch customer service and ongoing efforts to attract business back to the West Coast are paying off," said Mario Cordero, CEO of the Port of Long Beach.

"We continue to invest in infrastructure projects that will keep us competitive and sustainable for decades to come," he added.

Bobby Olvera Jr., president of the Long Beach Harbor Commission, noted that the port's highly skilled workforce helped the port achieve year-over-year increases in cargo for the last six months.

"Customers are taking notice that our infrastructure projects and environmental programs make us the Port of Choice," he added.

The Port has moved 1,348,738 TEUs during the first two months of 2024, a 20.7% increase from the same period in 2023.

The Port handled trade valued at US$200 billion annually. During the next 10 years, the Port is planning US$2.2 billion in capital improvements aimed at enhancing capacity, competitiveness and sustainability.