Cargo moving through the Port of Long Beach (USLGB) continues to surge, suggesting shifts in U.S. supply chain strategies. Data trends hint that importers started adjusting their sourcing, routing, and inventory replenishment in response to tariff pressures and changing consumer demand. This boost in cargo demand bumped USLGB’s February 2025 volumes up 13.4% year-over-year.
Shifting U.S. global trade policies and tariff structures have led many importers to front-load cargo, boosting early 2025 volumes. China has contributed over 60% of USLGB’s total imports for years although recent policy adjustments have led some retailers to procure sourcing from Vietnam, India, and Mexico. Increased tariffs on Chinese goods are causing some businesses to reconsider their supply chain resilience, considering options to mitigate this new environment with strategies like nearshoring, supplier diversification, and alternate geographical sources.
FRONT-LOADING BOOSTS PORT OF LONG BEACH CARGO SURGE AS SHIPPERS ADAPT TO SHIFTING TRADE POLICIES
The Port of Long Beach processed 765,385 TEUs in February, marking nine consecutive months of cargo growth as U.S. importers front-load shipments to mitigate the impact of potential tariff increases and supply disruptions. Imports reached 368,669 TEUs (+11.8%), exports totaled 90,026 TEUs (+2.9%), and empty containers rose to 306,690 TEUs (+19.1%). Year-to-date USLGB has handled 1.72 million TEUs—up 27.4% from 2024 levels.
Despite this upward trend, long-term cargo stability remains uncertain as global manufacturers diversify sourcing strategies, shift production out of China, and evaluate nearshoring options across Asia and the Americas.
USLGB’s growth is supported by its robust direct connections to key Asian manufacturing hubs, including:
- China: Shanghai, Ningbo, Yantian
- Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh City, Haiphong
- South Korea: Busan, Incheon
- Taiwan: Kaohsiung
- Japan: Tokyo, Yokohama
- Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong
Direct trade lanes via USLGB allow shippers to move cargo efficiently to inland distribution hubs in Los Angeles, Dallas, Chicago, and Memphis—reducing transit times, cutting costs, and improving overall supply network performance.
PORT OF LONG BEACH: GATEWAY FOR KEY U.S. INDUSTRIES
The goods and raw materials moving through USLGB highlight its importance beyond container volumes. The port serves as a gateway for critical goods that sustain U.S. industries such as – technology, automotive, retail, and manufacturing.
Top Imports (by volume):
- Electronics & Semiconductors – Essential for U.S. technology and manufacturing sectors
- Auto Parts & Machinery – Key to U.S. vehicle assembly and aftermarket supply chains
- Retail & Consumer Goods – Furniture, apparel, and household items stocked in major distribution centers
- Plastics & Packaging Materials – Vital for both industrial and consumer applications
Top U.S. Exports (by volume):
- Agricultural Products – California-grown nuts, fruits, and processed goods shipped globally
- Waste Paper & Recyclables – Supporting manufacturing in key export markets
- Petroleum Products – Key energy exports from U.S. refineries
The Port of Long Beach remains a key gateway for U.S. trade, as shifting supply chain strategies and evolving tariff policies influence how and where importers move goods. While some businesses explore nearshoring in Mexico and alternative trade lanes in Vietnam, India, and Southeast Asia, USLGB’s established infrastructure, direct Asia-Pacific connections, and high-volume capacity keep it a strategic hub for importers navigating supply chain shifts.
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