The Port of Long Beach pulled off another record-breaking year, bringing in a total of 8.1 million TEUs. The achievement was a particularly impressive feat considering that cargo volumes slowed substantially in the second half of the year, illustrating the strength of cargo in the beginning of the year. The announcement was made at the annual State of the Port address this week in Long Beach. This is the first time in the port's history that cargo volumes have surpassed 8.1 million TEUs.

“The Port of Long Beach is a major gateway for the trans-pacific trade,” Mario Cordero, executive director at the Port of Long Beach, said at the annual address at the event. “Nearly 70% of our import containers come from China and 40% of our exports go there. With this trade dynamic, we have moved the highest trade container total ever in our history. We moved 8.1 million TEUs. Nationally, ports average a 5% gain. Our container cargo total was up 7%, topping the record that we set just last year.”

While cargo volumes slowed in the second half of the year, imports actually surged at the end of the year. As a result, December was one of the most active months in the port's history. “Although exports slowed in the second half of the year, we finished 2018 with a jump in imports,” said Cordero. “Retailers expedited shipments due to the uncertain trade outlook for this year. The surge made December the second largest busiest month in our 108-year history.”