THE Port of Long Beach posted a 4.2 per cent year-on-year container throughput increase in July to 784,845 TEU, said the port authority.

July imports grew 1.6 per cent to 382,940 TEU while exports decreased 20.7 per centre to 109,951 TEU. Exported empties soared 22.8 per cent to 291,955 TEU.

"I don't think these numbers will decrease, I think they will increase," said port secretary-general Mario Cordero.

He said consumer demand hasn't diminished. It continues to push large volumes of freight and stays here, requiring a transition to a 24/7 supply chain model that affects the port, shipping companies, railways, and truck and warehousing industries.

Long Beach Port broke monthly cargo records in 12 of the last 13 months. By July, the port had processed 5.5 million TEU, an increase of 32.3 per cent compared to the same period in 2020.

"Our port workers and industry partners have endangered their health to keep spinning the gear of our economy during this pandemic," said Long Beach Port Commission chairman Stephen Neil.

Exports in July continued to decline, down 20.7 per cent year on year, Mr Cordero said, adding that the focus still needs to be on improving the connectivity to inland ports.

LA harbour spokesman Phillip Sanfield said the Los Angeles Harbour numbers for July are scheduled for mid-August, and the Long Beach number is due to the different timelines of internal vessels between the two ports.