The Port of Long Beach has had the busiest August in its 109-year history.
A total of 725,610 TEUs were moved at the US port last month, a 9.3 per cent increase compared to August 2019.
Imports jumped 13 per cent year-on-year to 364,792 TEUs, while exports were up 1 per cent to 126,177 TEUs. Empty containers shipped overseas climbed 8.5 per cent to 234,642 TEUs.
“I commend our dockworkers and business partners for a successful August; they’ve gone above and beyond to keep goods moving,” said Frank Colonna, president of the Long Beach Harbor Commission. “The health of our supply chain workforce and providing top-notch service to the industry remain utmost priorities for the Port during this time.”
The boost comes at the start of the port's peak season, which typically runs from August to October. However, the Covid-19 pandemic continues to create long-term economic uncertainty for the port’s operators.
“Despite the recent surge in cargo, uncertainty remains in international trade and the national economy, given the ongoing Covid-19 impacts,” said Mario Cordero, executive director of the Port of Long Beach. “August marked another great month for the port, but we must remain vigilant about the global pandemic’s lasting effects.”
The Port of Long Beach has moved 4,911,725 TEUs during the first eight months of 2020, down 1.2 per cent from the same period in 2019.
