TRADE activity at the Port of Long Beach (POLB) fell by more than a quarter in July as adjusted routes, full warehouses and consumers' shift to travel impacted cargo volumes, the port said.

The port moved 578,249 TEU last month, marking a decrease of 26.4 per cent compared to last year's exceptionally busy July, according to gCaptain, Ventura, California.

Imports went down by 27.9 per cent to 271,086 TEU, exports decreased by 17.6 per cent to 90,134 TEU, and empty containers passing through the port dropped by 27.7 per cent to 217,030 TEU.

The port's performance over the first seven months of 2023 is a 25.6 per cent decrease compared to the same period in the previous year. The figures bring cargo activity closer to levels seen before the pandemic, specifically in 2019 when the port handled a similar volume of cargo.

POLB CEO Mario Cordero said he expects a 'modest' peak shipping season ahead.

"I am confident we will see our numbers improve as we work with industry partners to rebuild our market share," he said. "Looking ahead in the near term however, we anticipate a modest 'peak season' for shipping as consumers spend a little less this year on back-to-school supplies and gifts through the holiday season."