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Long Beach Port Surges 31.7% in May as Retailers Rush Holiday Inventory

The Port of Long Beach processed 842,030 TEUs in May, marking a 31.7% increase from the prior year and the third-busiest May in the gateway's history. Imports jumped 40% to 418,851 TEUs while exports improved 32%, with empty container volumes up 21%, signaling anticipated near-term demand. Year-to-date throughput reached 4,050,247 TEUs, up 0.2% year-over-year and closely tracking 2025 record volumes. Port leadership attributed the surge to early cargo movements driven by fuel cost inflation, tariff uncertainty and geopolitical pressures. Shippers are frontloading shipments ahead of anticipated manufacturer price increases in July. Carriers have tightened trans-Pacific capacity, pushing rates higher and limiting booking availability. Port officials cautioned that tariff policy, energy markets and security concerns continue to cloud business planning. They emphasized that supply chain predictability remains essential for sustained growth.