The Port of Long Beach is officially the busiest port in the United States for the first quarter of 2025. Driven by a surge in imports ahead of anticipated tariffs, the port saw a 26.6% increase in cargo volumes compared to the same period in 2024. Dock workers and terminal operators moved 2.5 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) during the year’s first three months.
In March alone, the Port of Long Beach handled 817,457 TEUs, a 25% jump from March 2024. Imports rose by 25.8%, reaching 380,562 TEUs, while exports dipped slightly by 1% to 104,063 TEUs. Empty container volumes also increased, up 35% to 332,832 TEUs. This marks the port’s 10th consecutive month of year-over-year cargo growth.
“We are leading the way as the nation’s busiest port by ensuring the fastest, most efficient delivery of cargo from our docks to anywhere in the United States,” said Mario Cordero, CEO of the Port of Long Beach. “Our investments in state-of-the-art, modern facilities allow us to move record amounts of cargo with maximum efficiency as we continue to deliver the highest standard of customer service.”
In addition to the strong first-quarter numbers, the Port of Long Beach also recorded its busiest first half of any fiscal year, moving 5.26 million TEUs since October 1, 2024. The port remains a major player in the global logistics network, holding its position as a top U.S. port for the last six months. In 2024, it handled 9.6 million TEUs, just behind the Port of Los Angeles, which moved 10.3 million TEUs.
“Our highly skilled dockworkers have put in the hard work 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 Harbor Commission. “We’re working hard to attract business, operate sustainably, and develop projects that will ensure our long-term growth.”