The US West Coast gateway container port of Long Beach recorded its second busiest August on record.
The Port of Long Beach handled 901,846 teu in August, which although the sixth busiest month in the port’s 114-year history was decline of 1.3% over the record month of August 2024, which was its third busiest month ever.
The strong volumes have been registered despite concerns the port had back in May that even the lower US tariff on Chinese goods of 30% was still substantial on low value goods. The 30% import tariff is in place while much higher levels of up to 145% are paused pending ongoing negotiations between the US and China.
The port said in August retailers continued to see the arrival of goods purchased during a recent pause in tariffs. It is also upbeat about the peak season.
“Shifting trade policies continue to create uncertainty for businesses and consumers,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero. “Our Supply Chain Information Highway digital tracker is projecting our peak shipping season to be on pace with last year as retailers start to stock their warehouses in preparation for the winter holidays.”
The Port has moved 6,592,708 teu through the first eight months of 2025, up 8.3% from the same period last year.
“I commend our dockworkers for their continued hard work to keep goods moving through the Port during the peak shipping season,” said Long Beach Harbor Commission President Frank Colonna. “Our reputation as a primary gateway for trans-Pacific trade relies on our ability to safely ensure the secure and speedy shipment of goods.”
