The Port of Long Beach yesterday reported that 2010 container cargo volume at the port rose 23.6 percent over 2009, a record increase but still 14 percent below the port’s 2007 peak in container traffic.
Imports rose 23.4 percent over 2009 to 3.1 million TEUs, and exports were up 15.6 percent to 1.6 million TEUs. Including empties, Long Beach terminals handled 6.3 million TEUs for the year.
This is welcome news for Long Beach as it regained part of the 2.2 million TEUs it lost between 2007 and 2009 during the global trade recession – a drop of 30.7 percent. We have just been through a very challenging time, but things are clearly getting better in Southern California.
This news comes after the Port of Los Angeles reported last week that traffic surged 16 percent in 2010.
As we move into the traditionally slower post-holiday and pre-Chinese New Year period of the year,we will see expectedly lower cargo volumes in Long Beach and LA.
The marine terminal operators in Long Beach and LA continue to adjust their hours and staffing as market conditions change to combat congestion and ensure high efficiency levels throughout the year.
Stay tuned for more updates on business conditions at the ports.