SIMIC

April now marks the fourth month in a row that the Port of Long Beach has set new monthly cargo records.

"Cargo continues to move at a record-setting pace and may not slow down anytime soon," said Long Beach port executive director Mario Cordero.

"We are preparing for a likely summertime surge as China recovers from an extended shutdown due to Covid. Shippers are quickly moving imports and empties from the docks, terminals are staying open longer and we are working to finalise our new Supply Chain Information Highway data tracking solution," he said.

Said harbour commission president Steven Neal: "We are working to move the cargo off our docks and make room for the next wave of containers."

April imports rose 9.2 per cent to 400,803 TEU, while the number of empties through the port increased 16.9 per cent to 298,039 TEU. But exports last month were down 1.8 per cent year on year to 121,876 TEU, coming as ocean carriers are facing greater scrutiny over export services for American exporters.

The Port of Long Beach feels shippers are anticipated to be busier than usual, but retail activity is levelling due to inflation, while consumers are also reshuffling their household budgets to allow for more spending on entertainment, restaurants and other services.