The Port of Long Beach processed 847,765 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in January 2026, marking its second-busiest January ever. This volume represents an 11% decrease compared to January 2025, which remains the port's all-time busiest January and second-busiest month in its 115-year history.

Imports saw a decline of 13.1%, totaling 409,818 TEUs. Exports, however, experienced a slight increase of 0.8%, reaching 99,478 TEUs. The movement of empty containers also decreased by 11.5%, with 338,470 TEUs handled.

Port CEO Dr. Noel Hacegaba emphasized Long Beach's leading role in national trade, stating, "We are providing a safe harbor in the sea of tariff and trade uncertainty." He highlighted the port's capacity, infrastructure, and workforce as key assets for efficient and reliable goods movement.

Harbor Commission President Frank Colonna added that these figures underscore Long Beach's continued status as the preferred port for customers.

The January decline follows a record-breaking 2025, during which the port handled 9.9 million TEUs. Shippers had accelerated their cargo movements in the preceding months to preempt the implementation of tariffs and reciprocal tariffs in the spring of 2025.

Looking ahead, Hacegaba anticipates ongoing uncertainty, particularly in light of a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that declared two-thirds of tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) unconstitutional.

"While this decision ruled on the legality of the IEEPA tariffs, it did little to remove the uncertainty across the global supply chain," Hacegaba commented. He noted that customers are seeking clarity on potential refunds for tariffs already paid, and consumers are looking for relief from elevated prices.

Hacegaba announced the figures...