628,205 twenty-foot container cargo equivalent units (TEUs) pass through the port last month, an rise of 9.5% from May 2019. Imports expanded 7.6% to 312,590 TEUs, while exports climbed 11.6% to 134,556 TEUs. Empty containers returned overseas jumped to 181,060 TEUs by 11.4%.

The increase in volume comes as manufacturing in China continues to rebound from the COVID-19 effects, while demand for furniture, digital products and home improvement goods is increasing in the U.S.

“Our strong numbers reflect the efforts of our Business Recovery Task Force, which is setting the path for efficient cargo movement and growth.Our focus on operational excellence and world-class customer service will continue as we prioritize our industry-leading infrastructure development projects,” said Mario Cordero, Executive Director of the Port of Long Beach. 

As part of its recovery efforts, the Port of Long Beach has established an internal Business Recovery Task Force working with consumers, industry stakeholders, unions and government agencies to ensure that terminal and supply chain operations proceed without interruption, along with expediting shipments of essential personal protective equipment.

Maritime Business World