Port of Long Beach said rising consumer confidence lifted trade moving through the port in March, marking the seventh consecutive month of year-over-year cargo growth.

The port — one of North America’s busiest — moved 654,082 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) last month, an 8.3% increase from March 2023.

In a statement, Port of Long Beach said imports grew 8.4% to 302,521 TEUs, and exports were down 21.3% to 105,099 TEUs. Meanwhile, empty containers moving through the Port jumped 28.9% to 246,464 TEUs.

“Consumer demand remains strong and continues to drive cargo through this vital gateway for trans-Pacific trade,” said Mario Cordero, chief executive officer at the Port of Long Beach.

“We will continue to build the infrastructure that will allow us to grow our trade strategically and sustainably,” he added.

Bobby Olvera Jr., president of the Long Beach Harbor Commission, noted that steady cargo flows lead to steady jobs for port workers.

“We will continue our role as the Port of Choice by moving cargo quickly, reliably and sustainably while providing outstanding customer service,” he said.

The Port has moved 2,002,820 TEUs during the first quarter of 2024, up 16.4% from the same period in 2023.