Cargo volumes at the Port of Long Beach declined again in June, as concerns over tariffs likely began to weigh on trade flows.

Dockworkers and terminal operators processed 704,403 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in June, down 16.4% from the same month last year.

Month-on-month, however, June's cargo traffic was better compared to the 639,160 TEUs that the port handled in May.

The Port of Long Beach reported that imports decreased 16.9% to 348,681 TEUs, and exports declined 10.9% to 87,627 TEUs.

For June, the number of empty containers moving through the port also decreased by 17.4% to 268,095 TEUs. 

 [Source: Port of Long Beach]

Nonetheless, Port of Long Beach noted that although cargo moving through the port slowed in June, a pause on tariffs could drive a rebound for trade in July.

"We're anticipating a cargo surge in July as retailers stock up on goods ordered during the 90-day pause placed on tariffs and retaliatory tariffs," said  Mario Cordero, CEO of the Port of Long Beach.

"The Port of Long Beach is prepared to handle the influx by tracking trade moving through the harbor with the Supply Chain Information Highway, our digital solution to maximize visibility and efficiency in cargo movement."

Long Beach Harbor Commission President Bonnie Lowenthal said despite the economic situation, the port's facilities, dockworkers, and marine terminal operators continue to make this the premier gateway for trans-Pacific goods movement.

"Over the long term, we're investing in infrastructure projects to keep cargo moving efficiently and sustainably to preserve our status as the Port of Choice," he said.

Port of Long Beach has moved 4,746,631 TEUs through the first half of 2025, up 10.6% from the same period in 2024.