Long Beach February Cargo Rises 37 Percent, Container Volumes Nearing Peak Levels

The Port of Long Beach reports a February surge in container traffic, a 36.6 percent increase from a year ago to 530,967 TEUs. That included across-the-board gains for inbound (+46 percent) and outbound (+17.2 percent) loads as well as empties (+44.2 percent). Import volume was the highest it has been for any February since 2007.

Trans-Pacific trade this time of year is influenced by the Lunar New Year holiday, which can slow goods production in many Asian countries that export to the United States. The holiday is determined by the lunar calendar, which in 2012 started in late January and adversely affected February numbers. This year, the holiday fell in mid-February and its effects are likely to be reflected in March statistics.

Cargo increases in recent months also reflect the more frequent use of larger ships and the addition of service lines to Long Beach. Late last year, Mediterranean Shipping Co. and CMA CGM established exclusive hubs at the Port of Long Beach.

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