The Port of Long Beach , located in California, United States, handled 9.04 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in the period January-November 2025 , which represented an increase of 2.9% compared to the same period in 2024, driven by the movement of goods prior to the application of tariffs, and it is estimated that by the end of 2025 it will exceed the 9.6 million TEUs reached last year

“Cargo moved at a steady pace, without congestion or disruption, at the Port of Long Beach, while consumers, businesses and supply chain partners endured extraordinary uncertainty caused by changes in trade policies throughout 2025,” explained Mario Cordero, executive director of the Port of Long Beach.

The port also reported that 817,561 TEUs were handled in November 2025, a 7.5% decrease compared to the same period last year . During this period, imports totaled 400,505 TEUs and exports 110,122 TEUs, each representing a 7.5% decrease. Empty container traffic fell by 8.6%, totaling 289,812 TEUs.

Frank Colonna, chairman of the Port of Long Beach Commission, acknowledged the work of the port operators and staff in handling cargo during 2025, and noted that the movement of goods will continue “without disruption through the end of the year and we expect a moderate increase in cargo for 2026. ”

The Port of Long Beach handles over $300 billion in annual trade and generates 2.7 million jobs in the United States. In Southern California alone, that figure reaches 691,000 jobs.

Long Beach is one of the 18 strategic ports of the United States, serving as a support hub for contingencies and national defense . An investment of $3.2 billion in infrastructure projects is projected over the next 10 years.

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The Port of Long Beach , considered the second most important maritime gateway in the United States, is entering 2025 with a steady but cautious approach. After a record year for container traffic, the port authority observed a moderate slowdown in October, attributed to retailers strategically bringing forward orders and the side effects of volatile trade policies.However, the prevailing narrative at the Californian port is not one of alarm, but rather one of operational resilience and logistical foresight in the face of an uncertain global environment.

During a virtual press conference, CEO Mario Cordero and COO Noel Hacegaba agreed that tariff changes and trade policies among the world’s major economies have created uncertainty, but without halting the flow of goods . “Consumers haven’t seen significant tariff impacts since manufacturers, retailers, and others have shared some of these costs and mitigated price increases for consumers, but that could change as we approach 2026,” Cordero cautioned.

The message carries a warning tone: protectionist measures and adjustments in the global supply chain could, sooner rather than later, pass on some of the costs to the end consumer. “Consumers are likely to see a price increase in the coming months as carriers continue to pass on the cost of tariffs on goods,” the executive added. This observation positions Long Beach not only as a barometer of the American economy, but also as a gauge of the real impact of global trade tensions on consumers’ wallets.

The data reinforces the narrative of cautious stability. In October, the port handled 839,671 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), a 14.9% decrease compared to the same month last year , which remains the highest in Long Beach’s 114-year history. Imports fell 17.6%, exports 11.5%, and empty containers 12.6%. However, the cumulative total for the first 10 months of the year shows a 4.1% increase, with 8.23 ​​million TEUs, indicating that the port’s structural dynamism remains solid, despite cyclical fluctuations.

Chief Operating Officer Noel Hacegaba emphasized the port ‘s responsiveness in the face of recurring disruptions . “Even amid the nation’s longest government shutdown, cargo continues to move smoothly through our port and throughout the nation’s supply chain,” he stated. His words reflect the coordinated strategy that distinguishes the California port complex: “We continue to coordinate closely with all our partners to anticipate and mitigate issues before they arise, in order to keep cargo and our economy moving.”

This philosophy of logistical anticipation has been a constant in Long Beach. Since the pandemic, the port has strengthened its collaboration with terminals, shipping lines, freight forwarders, and railroads to reduce bottlenecks and maintain its reputation as an agile and reliable hub for transpacific trade. Today, with over $300 billion in annual cargo and 2.7 million jobs linked to its operations—691,000 of which are concentrated in Southern California—its role as critical infrastructure for the United States is reaffirmed.

Port Commission Chairman Frank Colonna summarized the collective effort of those who keep this logistical machine running: “Our dedicated workforce and terminal operators are working tirelessly to ensure store shelves are stocked and shoppers can purchase holiday gifts.” He added a message of institutional continuity that reinforces the port’s long-term vision: “We plan to continue providing outstanding customer service and building a sustainable future in the new year.”

Sustainability is not a new concept for Long Beach; it’s a core principle of its management. In 2025, the port celebrates 20 years of environmental leadership, the anniversary of its Green Port Policy, which has drastically reduced emissions and the environmental impact of its operations. For the seventh consecutive year, it was recognized as the “Best Seaport on the West Coast of North America” and the “Best Green Seaport,” accolades that confirm its position as a global leader in the transition to a sustainable port model.

Looking ahead to the next decade, Long Beach is planning $3.2 billion in capital projects focused on increasing capacity, efficiency, and competitiveness, driven by technological and energy innovation. In a global context that combines trade pressures, inflationary challenges, and new environmental demands, the port is positioning itself as a laboratory for maintaining the flow of trade without sacrificing sustainability.

Ultimately, Long Beach’s stability isn’t measured solely in TEUs, but in its ability to adapt. Its port leadership has understood that foresight and cooperation are the new drivers of competitiveness. In an environment where economic cycles and policies can change from month to month, the port’s true asset is its responsiveness. And in that, Long Beach continues to lead the way.

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The Port of Long Beach recorded its second-busiest August in its 114-year history, processing a total of 901,846 20-foot TEUs , a 1.3% decrease compared to August 2024. This comes amid a peak season marked by accelerated stockpiling of merchandise by retailers following the recent suspension of tariffs.

Compared to August 2024, imports decreased by 3.6% to 440,318 TEUs, while exports fell by 8.3% to 95,960 TEUs. However, empty container throughput increased by 3.5% to a total of 350,560 TEUs.

“Changes in trade policies continue to create uncertainty for businesses and consumers (…) Our digital Supply Chain Information Highway tracking system projects that our peak shipping season will remain at the same pace as last year as retailers begin to stock their warehouses in preparation for the winter holidays,” said Mario Cordero, executive director of the Port of Long Beach.

For his part, Frank Colonna, president of the Port Commission, praised the tireless efforts of the longshoremen and noted that its reputation as “the gateway for trans-Pacific trade depends on our ability to ensure safe and efficient shipments.”

So far this year, the port has handled 6,592,708 TEUs , representing an 8.3% increase compared to the same period in 2024.

Long Beach is one of the busiest seaports in the United States, with approximately 40% of the country’s cargo containers transiting through its facilities or those of the neighboring Port of Los Angeles.

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“We are monitoring the development of new trade policies and the impact on our longshore workers and others throughout the supply chain,” said Bonnie Lowenthal, president of the Long Beach Port Commission, regarding the reported decline in May.

In the fifth month of the year, imports fell 13.4% to 299,116 TEUs, the port reported in a statement.

Exports also showed a downward trend, with 82,149 TEUs moved , which meant an 18.6% annual decrease, while empty containers circulating through the port increased to 257,895 TEUs, 3.2% more compared to May 2024.

Despite the negative figures for the fifth month of 2025, Port of Long Beach officials expect that a temporary pause in tariffs “will likely trigger an increase in cargo by the end of June.”

“We remain cautiously optimistic that import cargo will rebound in late June and July, just in time for peak shipping season, when retailers stock shelves with back-to-school supplies and begin preparations for winter break,” said Mario Cordero, executive director of the Port of Long Beach.

In the January-May 2025 period, the port handled 4,042,228 TEUs , representing a 17.2% increase compared to the same period in 2024.

Cordero noted that although commercial uncertainty persists, investments in port infrastructure continue. “While uncertainty persists for the business sector, the Port of Long Beach continues to invest in rail and terminal improvements to move cargo efficiently, safely, and sustainably,” he said.

As the United States’ primary gateway for trans-Pacific trade, the port handles more than $300 billion in annual trade and supports 2.7 million American jobs, including 691,000 in Southern California.

Over the next 10 years, the port plans $3.2 billion in capital improvements , which will be used to increase capacity, competitiveness, and sustainability.

In terms of sustainability, the port, which was named by industry leaders as “The Best Seaport on the West Coast of North America” for the sixth consecutive year in 2024, celebrates in 2025 the 20th anniversary of the Green Ports Policy , which has led to programs to improve air and water quality, protect marine wildlife, and implement sustainable practices.

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This was warned by specialists during the presentation of the State of Logistics Report 2025 , presented at the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) , in collaboration with Kearney and Penske Logistics .

Paul Bingham , director of Transportation Consulting at S&P Global Market Intelligence , explained that the economic environment has weakened significantly.

“The economy is not in crisis, but it has clearly weakened,” he said.

According to their analysis, US Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth is expected to be just 1.3% in 2025 , while global GDP growth is projected to be 2.2% , the lowest rate since 2009 outside the context of the pandemic.

This implies lower aggregate demand, pressure on logistics margins, and a more adverse investment environment.

Furthermore, the high cost of money— derived from high interest rates—has directly impacted inventory management and capital decisions.

“We’re at a point where uncertainty is the only constant. Therefore, the supply chains that survive will be those capable of scenario planning and responding quickly to disruptions or abrupt changes in demand,” Bingham said.

Dynamic inventories and operational flexibility

One of the sectors most sensitive to this environment is retail .  Brendan Dillon , Senior Vice President of Global Inventory, Transportation, and Commerce Management at Target , explained how the company has redesigned its logistics strategy to adapt to changing consumer patterns.

“Consumers are prioritizing essential products and reducing discretionary spending. This directly affects our key categories,” he commented.

In this context, Target has opted for continuous planning , based on short cycles of inventory, demand, and transportation analysis.

“Our network is designed to adapt quickly. We maintain a combination of short- and long-term contracts, with a strategy that includes our own fleet and partnerships with reliable carriers. The goal is to ensure availability, speed, and cost efficiency,” he explained.

In this regard, the company has chosen to maintain long-term strategic relationships with its logistics partners.

“Trust is built on reliability. And loyalty is built on fair prices,” Dillon said.

Ports, between resilience and energy transition

For its part, the Port of Long Beach , one of the largest and most strategic in North America, has also had to adapt to the new normal.

Its director of operations, Noel Hacegaba , highlighted that, despite the drop in imports during 2023, volumes have regained strength.

“The US economy has proven surprisingly resilient. In May, we had our best month since 2020. This reflects a recovery in consumer spending and greater stability in supply chains,” he commented.

Hacegaba also emphasized the port’s long-term planning , which includes investments of $3.2 billion in infrastructure over the next decade .

These will focus primarily on expanding rail capacity and accelerating the transition to zero-emission operations.

“Currently, 25% of our cargo leaves by rail. We want to increase that figure to 35% to reduce our carbon footprint and improve logistics efficiency. We are convinced that the future of the port is intermodal, electric, and automated,” he stated.

3PLs, more than operators, strategic partners

In an environment of high operational complexity, third-party logistics providers (3PLs) have gained prominence as key allies in managing uncertainty.

Andy Moses , SVP of Strategy and Sales at Penske Logistics , said supply chains are facing unprecedented pressure to become more resilient, but also more efficient.

“Logistics is more important today than ever. Companies want flexibility, real-time visibility, and responsiveness. And that requires close collaboration between customers and logistics operators,” he emphasized.

Moses explained that customers demand integrated , data-driven solutions that can adapt to market fluctuations.

“It’s no longer enough to simply move merchandise. We must anticipate, redirect, optimize, and, above all, inform,” he said.

Along these lines, Korhan Acar , a partner at Kearney and lead author of the report, warned that the greatest potential for logistics efficiency lies not in the origin of the products, but in their transportation.

“The supply chain is increasingly decentralized, but logistics remains the major bottleneck,” he said.

One of the study’s key findings is the persistent inefficiency of backhaul : only 20% of return journeys are properly utilized.

“This represents a massive loss of value. With Artificial Intelligence (AI), we can redesign routes and loads to address this structural inefficiency,” he explained.

Acar also noted that the digital maturity of many companies remains low , as the adoption of generative AI, digital twins, and automation is underway but not yet uniform.

Experts agreed that in a challenging environment, the most successful companies will be those that plan with vision, collaborate intelligently, and embrace technology as a driving force for transformation .

“Every dollar invested in logistics today must yield double. And that can only be achieved with timely information, flexible processes, and a network aligned with the business,” said Acar.

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As imports increased ahead of anticipated tariffs, the Port of Long Beach , California, United States, was the busiest in the country during the first quarter of 2025, handling 2,535,575 TEUs (20-foot containers) in that period, representing a 26.6% increase compared to the same period in 2024.

“We are leading the way as the nation’s busiest port by ensuring the fastest and most efficient delivery of cargo from our docks to anywhere in the United States,” said Mario Cordero, CEO of the Port of Long Beach.

According to a statement, last March alone, port workers and terminal operators handled 817,457 TEUs, which represented 25% more than in the third month of 2024.

“Our highly skilled longshore workers have worked hard to help us become the busiest seaport in the United States during the first quarter of the year,” said Bonnie Lowenthal, president of the Long Beach Port Commission.

In the reference month, imports also showed positive performance, growing 25.8% to 380,562 TEUs ; while exports decreased 1% to 104,063 TEUs .

Empty containers moving through the port increased 35% to 332,832 TEUs . March also marked the tenth consecutive monthly increase in cargo compared to the previous year.

“We are working hard to attract business, operate sustainably, and develop projects that ensure our long-term growth,” Lowenthal emphasized.

The port also experienced its busiest first half of any fiscal year on record, with 5,267,926 TEUs moved since October 1, making it the busiest U.S. port over the past six months.

Meanwhile, in 2024, the Port of Long Beach was the second busiest seaport in the country, with 9.6 million TEUs processed.

As the United States’ primary gateway for trans-Pacific trade, the port handles more than $300 billion in annual trade and supports 2.6 million American jobs , including 575,000 in Southern California.

Over the next 10 years , the port plans $3.2 billion in capital improvements to increase capacity, competitiveness, and sustainability.

Regarding sustainability, in 2025 the port celebrates the 20th anniversary of its Green Ports Policy, which has led to programs to improve air and water quality, protect marine wildlife, and implement sustainable practices.

“Our investments in modern, state-of-the-art facilities allow us to move record amounts of cargo with maximum efficiency while continuing to provide the highest standard of customer service,” said Mario Cordero.

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The Port of Long Beach began 2025 with its strongest January on record and its second-busiest month on record , driven largely by retailers moving cargo ahead of anticipated tariffs on goods from China, Mexico and Canada.

The port handled 952,733 20-foot containers (TEU) in January , 41.4% more than in the same month last year and surpassing the previous record, set in January 2022, by 18.9 percent.

Imports increased by 45% to 471,649 TEU and exports increased by 14% to 98,655 TEU. Empty containers circulating through the port increased by 45.9% to 382,430 TEU.

“It is encouraging to start the year with such strength. I thank and congratulate all of our partners for their hard work. We will continue to focus on improving both our competitiveness and our sustainability, regardless of the uncertainties in the supply chain,” said Mario Cordero, executive director of the Port of Long Beach.

The strong start to 2025 marks the port’s eighth consecutive monthly year-over-year increase in cargo and follows a record year with 9,649,724 TEUs moved in 2024 .

“Our longshoreman workforce, marine terminal operators and industry partners continue to move a record amount of cargo to make this the premier gateway for trans-Pacific trade. We head into 2025 with a positive focus on our efforts to provide top-notch customer service while growing sustainably,” said Bonnie Lowenthal, president of the Port of Long Beach Commission.

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