The Port of Long Beach has made headlines by achieving its busiest January ever, handling a staggering 952,733 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in January 2025.
This represents a remarkable 41.4% increase compared to January 2024 and surpasses the previous record for the month set in 2022 by 18.9%.
The surge in cargo volume is attributed primarily to retailers rushing to import goods ahead of anticipated tariffs on imports from China, Mexico, and Canada.
Total TEUs Handled: 952,733
Imports: Increased by 45% to 471,649 TEUs
Exports: Rose by 14% to 98,655 TEUs
Empty Containers: Increased by 45.9% to 382,430 TEUs
Mario Cordero, CEO of the Port of Long Beach, expressed optimism about the port’s performance, stating, “It’s great to start the year on such a strong note.” He emphasized the commitment to enhancing efficiency and sustainability despite potential challenges ahead.
The significant increase in cargo volume can be linked to several factors:
Retailer Preparedness: Retailers are proactively moving cargo due to concerns over potential labor negotiations and tariff hikes that could impact supply chains.
Strong Consumer Demand: Ongoing consumer demand in the U.S. continues to drive imports.
Geopolitical Issues: Uncertainties related to trade policies are prompting shippers to front-load their cargo volumes as a precautionary measure.
This record-setting performance marks the eighth consecutive month of year-over-year growth for the Port of Long Beach and follows a record-breaking year in 2024 when it handled over 9.6 million TEUs.
As the port navigates through these turbulent times with changing trade dynamics, it remains committed to providing excellent customer service while prioritizing sustainable growth.
As we progress into 2025, industry experts suggest that while the port is positioned for continued growth, the looming uncertainty regarding tariffs and trade policies could impact future operations.
Nevertheless, the Port of Long Beach’s strong start sets a positive tone for what could be another record-breaking year in cargo volumes.
Also Read
How Bike-Sharing is Revolutionizing Last-Mile Connectivity in Urban Areas
MSC Launches New Direct Service to Enhance Connectivity in West Africa
The U.S. economy added just 50,000 jobs in December 2025, capping a year of dramatic…
BERLIN — In the dead of European winter, when local fields lie dormant, Berlin will…
When Winvic Construction secured the £340 million contract to build Marks & Spencer's flagship…
Morocco is positioning itself as a critical maritime hub connecting Europe, Africa, and global markets…
Geneva, December 10, 2025 — Africa's logistics sector is preparing for unprecedented expansion in 2026,…
If you've ever dreamed of living in the United States but found the immigration maze…