The Port of Long Beach recorded one of its busiest months on record in August as U.S. retailers moved aggressively to take advantage of a temporary suspension of tariffs on Chinese imports.
The Southern California hub, part of the San Pedro Bay complex alongside Los Angeles, processed 901,846 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) during the month. That figure marks the port’s second-strongest August and the sixth-highest month in its 114-year history, though slightly below the all-time record set in 2024.
Cargo flows were mixed. Imports declined 3.6% year over year to 440,318 TEUs, while exports fell 8.3% to 95,960 TEUs. However, empty container movements — often a forward indicator of demand for Asian imports — increased 3.7% to 365,567 TEUs.
Port officials said early signs suggest this year’s peak season could mirror last year’s volumes as retailers continue restocking ahead of the winter holidays. Still, the broader outlook remains clouded by shifting U.S. trade policies and tariff negotiations with China.
The U.S. administration’s initial 90-day tariff pause expired in early August but was immediately extended for another three months, locking in a 30% baseline tariff while talks continue. Industry participants described the pause as a brief respite for customs systems and importers grappling with rapid policy changes.
Some businesses reported improved confidence as demand strengthened through the summer. One industrial distributor sourcing goods from Asia said volumes in July and August approached record highs, while tariff-related price increases were limited to roughly 3%.
Through August, Long Beach has moved more than 6.59 million TEUs in 2025, an 8.3% increase from the same period last year. The performance highlights both the resilience of U.S. consumer demand and the volatility created by ongoing trade negotiations, leaving supply chains bracing for further shifts in the months ahead.
