File photo.
Cargo traffic at the Port of Long Beach (POLB) rose 3.4 percent over June 2015, the port announced today, tacking on another consecutive month of increases in cargo traffic after a banner 2015.
According to a release issued Tuesday by the POLB, inbound containers increased 5.5 percent, with 313,526 out of 603,339 TEUs handled during June. Meanwhile, exports faced a 0.1 percent decrease from the previous year with only 128,099 TEUs. There was a 2.2 percent increase of empties with 61,714 TEUs. Compared to the first six months of 2015, the year-to-date total volume decreased 0.6 percent.
“Our improving cargo volumes reflect the confidence that customers continue to have in the Port of Long Beach,” said POLB CEO Jon Slangerup in a statement. “This is an encouraging sign despite soft consumer demand, high inventory levels and an evolving maritime industry as shipping lines continue to consolidate vessel services.”
According to the release, the port has experienced a 1.1 percent U.S. GDP growth in the first quarter compared to a previous estimated 0.8 percent. Economic experts have also predicted a 2 percent increase in the second quarter, the release stated.
“These results are a reminder that Long Beach is the fastest gateway to American consumer markets for trade from Asia,” said Harbor Commission President Lori Ann Guzmán in a statement.
The Port of Long Beach is investing in capital and service improvements that will bring environmentally sustainable growth with an ongoing $4 billion program.
For the latest monthly cargo numbers, click here. For more details on the cargo numbers, please visit www.polb.com/stats.